Need help: Generator and sparks!

Sparks shoot out the Commutator end of my generator. Anyone ever experienced this?

 

could be your brushes are worn,how long has it been since it was rebuilt?

 

No clue. Brushes are about 5/8" long still.

 

5/8,is that "eyeballin'" it or did you actually measure one?

I would say low brush tension,(brushes too short),and time for some new ones.

Check for side play in the rotor shaft,(tee hee),before you remove the end bell.

I'm guessing 12 volt?

 

Just eyeballed length. Not exactly sure if it's 12 volt generator. Car was converted to 12v before I purchased.

 

A whole bunch of things some minor some not. This just start happning? Can see in daylight?
Minor sticky brushes, dirty commutator.
Major commutator comming apart ,high mica between segments.

 

Tightened up belt. Maybe too tight. Started making noise. Thinking maybe bearing. Haven't replaced it yet. Need to get pulley puller. Have only worked on car at night.

 

Yes : maybe too tight as some of those generators had bushing in the comm. end that used a oil cup. Don't really need a pulley puller as sometimes you ruin the pulley using one. Loosen the nut and run out to the end of the shaft. 2 ways now ,1 using a long punch hit the pulley hub from the back [gen] side moving around to several spots. 2 , using a SOFT drift hit the end of the shaft while holding the pulley in a vise. Ya got a buddy, extra pair of hands there have them hold the gen verticley by the pulley while hitting the shaft with the drift. That uses the weight of the gen to help the hammer shock force.

 

Hey,John Evans.


I just replaced the brushes in my '58 Dodge generator.

I saw your mention of the mica on the commutator.

Mine was flush with the copper segments on the comm.,and I inquired about an "undercut" on the mica. This at the auto electric place where I was fetching my brushes.

The "old timer",('bout 20 years on my 52 years),there sez"son,you ain't supposed to undercut that mica on this here 12 volt ****".

His exact words.

I also broached the same question on my starter.

He said,"Son, what did I just get done saying?"

Both components presently working as advertised.


I guess he told my "young ***"!

 

Gee !! I wonder why all sorts of mica undercutting tools were made??? On the starter I would agree with him as the starter brushes are much more agressive and will keep the mica wore down. the generator however has carbon brushes and won't wear off the mica as well.This leads to skipping and arcing brushes,effecting the gen output and brush life. I ain't got 20 on ya ,only 12. LOL