My problem is that I do not feel confident to do it myself. I would just like to bring a replacement generator or alternator to my mechanic and have it done in a day.
David,
I agree with Ward 57, replacing the armature brushes and springs is not difficult at all. Referring to the attached generator disassembled illustration, you are only dealing with the brush end plate group.
After you remove the generator end plate, look at the brushes. Are the brushes the same length? If not the springs may not be equal in strength. Are the brush faces square to the sides? They should be unless a brush got hung up in a holder.
(See the attached picture of the old brushes and new brush from my generator)
When replacing the brushes, remove any
rust or corrosion from the end plate and make sure the new brushes work freely in the holders.
(See the attached picture of the new brushes and springs installed)
I usually do not dress the commutator unless it’s scored. It’s not necessary to polish a commutator just for cleanliness. A dirty copper color, as on an old penny, is conductive. Leave well enough alone.
If the commutator is scored, use fine sand paper in the shape of a strap to remove scratches. Polish the copper smooth. Do not use steel wool or emery cloth; a conductive particle can short out adjacent segments. Now closely look at the mica spacers between the segments. They should be slightly below the surface of the segments. If not, scrape the mica surface until it is 1/32” below the copper surface. I use a hacksaw blade to undercut the mica.
(See the attached commutator picture)
doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
