Posted by gmharris [71.105.35.169] on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 20:10:44 :
In Reply to: Re: Ok, so with that problem solved, on to the next...... posted by Jerry in Idaho [24.223.94.244] on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 16:53:39 :
It's never a time to convert to 12 volts. Just fix the problem. It's already run for 60 years, or so, on 6 volts. It will probably run another 60 years, or so, on 6 volts.
Look at the commutator. The part of the generator that the brushes ride on. If it is dirty, cleaning up the commutator is an easy job. Just remove the two long screws holding on the ends of the generator and pull the generator apart. No need to separate the plate from the armature on the end opposite the brushes. Then polish the commutator with a strip of emery cloth like you are shining shoes.
You can wrap a piece of emery cloth around the commutator and put the brush end back on. Then spin the commutator to seat the brushes to the commutator.
It's easy enough to use an ohm meter to check continuity between the armature and the terminals.
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