Generator question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,239
Likes: 1,010
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Generator question
OK so I took the nearly finished 62 out for a nice run today. Car ran flawlessly and got home and went in the house for a minute. Came back out into the garage and noticed a funny smell. I popped the hood and a fine stream of smoke was coming out of the generator. I searched the archives and found the tests to do for the generator/voltage regulator but am scared to hook the battery cables back up to test. Any ideas? I believe it to be the original generator.
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,145
Army
I don't guess you noticed the ammeter during the drive ? Was it pegging to the right (e.g. positive side) ? My gut reaction is that your V/R is allowing your generator current to 'run away'. Since you've been working on the car I'd VERY carefully go back through all of the wiring for the V/R and generator circuits and confirm everything is connected properly. If it looks good I'd start the car up VERY briefly with a multimeter across the battery terminals. If your voltage at a fast idle is much above 14.2V then I think the V/R is suspect.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,239
Likes: 1,010
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Thanks guys, haven't done anything to it yet. Debating whether to start it just long enough to test it as Frank suggested. It is funny, but what a residual smell in the garage. The best I can describe it, is it smells like beef jerky.
I have burned wires before and this is different. I will be bringing the car up to NY with me this weekend for my 7 month stint. Looks like will be winching it on the trailer again.
Bill
I have burned wires before and this is different. I will be bringing the car up to NY with me this weekend for my 7 month stint. Looks like will be winching it on the trailer again.Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
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From: Chuckanut WA
Best to remove generator and regulator and take to good auto electric shop for testing. It most likely began as a regulator malfunction but may have in fact now resulted in generator damage as well. The smell is probably burnt varnish and insulation.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
A bad regulator running wild can kill a good generator if it was over charging and then quit....The smoke and smell could be the result of the armature over heating and throwing 'solder....If there is a thin white or silver line on the inside of the case where the brushes are, then the armature has thrown solder......have both the generator and regulator should be checked
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 867
Likes: 260
From: Hinesville, GA & Oswego, NY
I've had a set of points in the reverse current relay section of the VR get a piece of debris between the points and kept the armature terminal on the generator hot one time, you can tell if you have a problem if you have a show a negative current draw on the amp meter with the key and all accessories turned off. I removed the cover from the VR and cleaned the contacts with contact cleaner, no more problems.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,239
Likes: 1,010
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Just to put this post to bed. I got the car up to NY on the weekend. Took the voltage regulator and generator to a little shop here on the island and it turned out to be the armature in the generator. All fixed in 24 hours. Cost me 195.00 but one less thing to worry about. Thanks again for all the help.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Canada's capital
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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The generator bearings can fry as well. On some there are oil nipples that you put a drop or two of oil in. My 56 has 'em, forget if my 62 does or if you have to rip it down to do it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,239
Likes: 1,010
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
The new bearings that were put in my generator have sealed bearings so no need to oil. Not sure how long they have been around, but I think most of the brush and bearing kits now have the sealed bearings.
Bill
Bill
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
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From: Lodi CA
Generator oil
and how much??? I have a '59 and would bet it has never had oil added, probably about time!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
