Testing 12V Generator Output, 58 CJ5?

I think I'd use a SFH on a regulator.

 

A deadblow hammer seems to work better on a generator and starter in my experience. I have never improved the workings of a regulator by striking it.

 

Likewise. Also with Glenn's suggestion. At least temporarily...

 

Howard, tried that , nada ,

Seriously tho, I got a meter and finally figgerd out how to use it , kinda, and followed some online videos. Turns out the genny is not working.
I'm thinking of going to an alternator, been checking on the conversation kits. Lots of difference in price and type. Some are single wire, seems the best way for a dummy like me. First I'll pull the genny and check the brushes & etc. as PeteL suggests.

Thanks all !
John

Oh, and thanks Karl, I might take you on the invite before I resort to a bigger hammer ,,,,

 

Well, after I got the genny on the bench I tried the "motor" test again, it would turn but had a roughness. I disassembled it and found the "rotor" ? looked like it had been slightly rubbing, not enough to cause damage. Checking everything I found the front bearing was rough & the rear bushing was worn enough to let a bit of wobble. I finally traced down what model it was, Autolite 7001, and ordered new parts,,

To be continued ,,,,,

 

Way cool, old school... The commutator (the copper segmented ring) can be polished up with very fine sandpaper, if it's not all nasty. Or even if it is. Another thing is to be sure the brushes are clean, long enough, and slide freely in their guides.

 

Very cool... mine is torn apart and not sure if i will replace or rebuild so im interested in following your work

 

This is all new to me but so far I cleaned the commutator using a dental pick to remove the built up crud in the grooves then polished it with 600 grit sandpaper. The brushes are good and free moving, cleaned all contacts with said sandpaper until shiny. Thanks PeteL for that heads up !
From what I've been able to find out my genny is an Autolte 7001 series, many different models for a lot of 50's era vehicles, I think mine is a 7001A which was used on some Kaiser Willys 1958-59 vehicles, maybe this info might help other members.
baldjosh, I'd say first identify your genny, check out condition and cost of recondition. Hopefully mine will work but for the cost of replacement v parts it's worth a try. Good luck, there are lot of members here to help.

To be continued,, I hope..
John

 

This is getting interesting, found out what I thought I had ain't. It seems I may have an older GPW (Ford) genny, the rear bushing is larger, front bearing , new, fits perfect.
The old bushing is approx, OD .799-.800 , ID .688 , Length .778 . Trying to find one, ??
Question, should I do something to , maybe spray , to seal the scuff marks on the rotor to prevent rust, not bad but was rubbing on the thick red covering of the inside of the genny ?
Thanks for any info,,,,,

To be continued, a work in progress ,,,,

 

A machine shop can easily make or modify one.

 

The case is stamped 12-86 and 12v, the commutator head plate is marked GJC 2 R and what looks like an A or possibly a 4 above that.

 

I think so.

 

This has turned out to be more of a hassle than I thought to find parts. I think what I have is a franken generator made of different numbered parts, I'm thinking of going to an alternator conversion instead of rebuilding a 60 yr. old system. I'm not concerned with originality but rather dependability. I've found 1 wire complete 6-12v kits that don't use the v regulator at all, others that have a 12v coil included. I already have a 12v system. I'm confused ?
When it comes to automotive electronics I'm dumb as a day old dog so any suggestions are greatly appreciated !

Thanks,
John

 

I'll get shot down like a mangey mutt for saying this, but my 50 years experience, there has been no "dependability" problem with generators.

 

If we could run a modern vehicle on 35 amps, we would still have generators.(well maybe) It is the output that made the change to alternators necessary. A generator and a original regulator are very hard to beat on a stock Jeep.