Re: Generator on 1941 Business Coupe 6 cylinder

Posted by JWL On 2017/10/13 10:57:40

I have never removed battery cables when removing and installing generators. There are three wires. Two wires connected to the generator's terminals (the large ARM or GEN, the smaller FLD) and a third ground wire connected to the case.

It is important to polarize the generator after installing. After reinstalling the generator, and with all switches and accessories turned off, briefly touch the BAT and GEN or ARM terminals on the voltage regulator with a jumper wire of 14 or 12 gauge wire. This procedure has been described many times on this site and you may be able to find more information on this with a SEARCH.

With the generator removed it is a good time to check the condition of the V-belt. Also, it is a good time to check the condition of the water pump. With the belt removed, spin the fan, the pump should be smooth and quiet. If it makes any noise, the bearing is going bad and likely to fail in the not too distant future. This usually occurs far from home in bad weather and/or in darkness.

Good luck.

JWL

Edit: O_D beat me to replying to you, and I agree it is always a good practice to disconnect the battery when working on anything electrical.