[AT] How do I test a Generator?

[Mike Sloane]

I suspect there are plenty of on-line pages with advice on generator 
servicing. Generators have few parts and fewer still that can go bad. 
Rather than "reinvent the wheel, I suggest starting with 
<http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint129.htm>

Another great source of useful information on old tractor electrical 
systems is a "Motor" manual from the 1950s or early '60s. They can 
usually be found in used book stores, rummage sales, or even a 
Craigslist ad. I got several of them that were headed for the dumpster 
on town "clean-up" day.

Unless you are "lucky" and see obvious damage, worn out brushes, or 
crappy commutator (See 
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/1946_ford_2n/generator-armature.html> 
for an example of a pretty obvious problem), your best bet is to take it 
to a real auto electric shop and have them put it on their test machine. 
(I am not talking about your local AutoZone or similar discount place - 
all they do is sell stuff, usually junk.) I am fortunate that I have 
such a place near here, and the guy will actually let me go into the 
back room with him and watch him test. When he gives up the business, I 
will be lost.

Mike

Ben Wagner wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> 
> Thanks for your help on the oil gauge.  I appreciate you guys always 
> being willing to answer questions, even when the questions are pretty 
> idiotic.
> 
> Here's another one for you.  My old 6 volt generator was "bad" according 
> to the gentleman I purchased the Super A from.  However, it was missing 
> the fuse, the ammeter was shot, and the wiring was terrible.  It was 
> also missing the voltage regulator. 
> 
> I need to know how to test the thing before I buy a new generator.  Is 
> there a good way to know if it is at least giving some power?   I would 
> like to know before I put the tractor back together, but that might not 
> be possible, so I might need to wait until I can run the engine.  I have 
> heard that you can hook the battery to the generator and it should spin 
> like a motor, but that was for a Ford. 
> 
> I am sure everyone on the list has some experience in testing these 
> things without buying fancy testing equipment. 
> 
> Thanks for all the time you have spent giving me advice.  It means a lot!
> 
> Ben Wagner