Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Dear jaegercat:

Yes it is possible to disengage the generator gear from the timing change if you just rip it apart like a maniac.

If you look at your generator you will notice there is a bronze plate in front of the generator. That is the generator gear pinion plate and it holds the gear in place.
If you take that out with the generator you will have some problems. So gently move the generator backward and hold the front plate against the motor. Once the generator is out you can secure with a nut and washers.

Before you take everything apart you can test the generator by grounding the field wire with the motor on high idle. If the ammeter starts charging then you have a regulator problem. There are places that will work on it for you or you can hide a regulator elsewhere on the car. This adds current regulation which is easier on batteries. All that is necessary is to run the field wire under the armature wire.

I have seen loose brush wires cause problems which can be fixed with metallized epoxy.

If your regulator is shorted that will cause overcharging so you have an open circuit somewhere. If the field coil in the regulator opens, the generator fields open, the thermostat gadget opens, or the brushes open then the unit will stop charging. The cutout can also open.

Given that parts are becoming harder and harder you may consider the investment of a top rebuilder.

Hi Guys,

At long last the generator saga is over. I had the genny rebuilt by a local company and they found that a wire had chafed on the comm. and wore through. Attachment shows rebuild.

Terry, I'm glad to hear the solution was so simple and the "saga" is happily concluded.

Dave,

The good tips from yourself certainly helped in the removal of the genny of which, I was a bit apprehensive at first.

Thanks a lot.