Rodney Bullock Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 I have a generator question related to the 1940 Plymouth. If the generator is about to go would it make the car lose and gain power while driving? This sound that I am associating with the water pump may in fact be the generator. I had a problem acouple of years back with the generator and the guy rebuilt it and put a bearing in it that did not need oiling. Could this in fact be my problem with the heisitation and all. Is there an easy way I can check to see if the generator is seizing? I took the car out to a cruz spot tonite and Someone suggested that the sound might in fact be the generator. The generator is charging according to the amp gauge however if the bearing is seizing that has nothing to do with the charging right? My water pump leaks only at the fitting. This is very complex and confusing. What do you guy's think? Quote
1941Rick Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 The generator should have nothing to do with the loss of power and hesitation unless your battery is dead. If the gen siezes all that will happen is you burn the belt off. Slack off the fan belt and turn the generator by hand. Should turn smooth and no noise. While you are at it spin the fan and listen to the water pump. If both are smooth, start the engine and listen for the sound...best to remove the belt for this test...do not run to long as it will heat up quickly. Hope this helps.... Quote
greg g Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 go to the hardware store and get a three foot long wooden dowel. half or 3/4 inch diameter. Place it on the water pump, then place your ear on the end, then do the generator, the one that is makeing the noise should become very apparent. and no a failing gennerator will not effect the way the car runs, at least untill the battery goes dead from not being recharged. when was the last time you gapped the points?? Take it by the guy who rebuilt it and have it checked out. Quote
Joe Flanagan Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 Rodney, I have a mechanic's stethoscope you can use. I heard that sound when you pulled up to my house. I was thinking bearings in either the water pump or the generator. Is your belt too tight? The stethoscope will really help you isolate the source of the noise. Quote
JoelOkie Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 Loose and gain power while running....if that is cutting out, sounds like possibly fuel related. Joel Quote
Adam H P15 D30 Posted August 31, 2011 Report Posted August 31, 2011 When my generator rear bushing failed it sounded like a squeely belt. Then I noticed the gen vibrating badly. I also had an oil lite bushing installed but it failed due to lack of oiling. No power loss though, charged all the way to the end. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted August 31, 2011 Author Report Posted August 31, 2011 Oh boy, I hate it when I am wrong. I 'm real mad! The guy that rebuilt my generator is the kind of guy that thinks all 6 volt generators should be 12 volt and that a sealed bearing is better than what they had in the 40's My generators rear bearing is fried like an old burnt peice of leather. I took the genarator off and started the motor, yeah it was silient. I took a tube and placed it at the end of the generator and turned the pulley and yu could hear it screaming like some chick in a horror film. I took it to the guy however I requested he put old style bearings back in. The water pump no drag on it spins like a top. I feel like such a heel:confused: Quote
james curl Posted September 1, 2011 Report Posted September 1, 2011 Do you mean you feel like you've been walked on? Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Posted September 1, 2011 Ten miles of bad road;) Quote
Rusty O'Toole Posted September 1, 2011 Report Posted September 1, 2011 Oh boy, I hate it when I am wrong. I 'm real mad! The guy that rebuilt my generator is the kind of guy that thinks all 6 volt generators should be 12 volt and that a sealed bearing is better than what they had in the 40'sMy generators rear bearing is fried like an old burnt peice of leather. I took the genarator off and started the motor, yeah it was silient. I took a tube and placed it at the end of the generator and turned the pulley and yu could hear it screaming like some chick in a horror film. I took it to the guy however I requested he put old style bearings back in. The water pump no drag on it spins like a top. I feel like such a heel:confused: You need to find a rebuilder who knows what he is doing. Just because your generator looks primitive does not mean you can fix it with a crescent wrench and a hammer. Take the bearings for example. Oilite bearings must be soaked in oil before installation, they must be installed carefully and should not be reamed to size. The bearing must be sized so that it is the correct ID when squeezed into place. Then, the bearing must be oiled periodically. A drop or 2 at oil change time. I would use synthetic motor oil even though it was not around when your car was new. Service life of a generator between overhauls, 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Do not tighten the belt too tight. Plain bearings will not stand as much tension as ball bearings. You should be able to deflect the fan belt 3/4 inch by pressing with your thumb. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Posted September 1, 2011 You may have a point. The people I have been using have been in it for many many years. Joe Flanangan Is using a company out of Arlington . I talked to the guy today. I think it's time to change up as I am noy going to tolerate fixing my car every other time I drive it. If the generator is not fixed by tomorrow morning I am going to get it. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 So I go over to the guy I have been using for umteen years and ask for my generator back. He gets mad.Tells me I am trying to tell him how to do his Job. He has had my generator since tuesday. I think this guy has been overcharging me for the longest. I think he feels he is the only game in town. Joe Flanagan told me about this place called Arlington armature I went out there today. WOW this place is space agethey have all these stations and tech guy's They do all these diffrent types of starter,generator and alternators. He gave me a tour of the place They bead blast and test everthing people have been there for 30 plus years. This place is a blast. Hey get this right next door they have a full service radiator shop. looks like I made some new friends....Thanks Joe! Quote
Jim Yergin Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Rodney, I have used Arlington Armature too. Very pleased. Jim Yergin Quote
Joe Flanagan Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 I had my rims blasted there. Just brought them over and asked if they'd put them in the blast cabinet. No problem. Quote
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