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I have not worked on a generator before but need to take mine off so it can be rebuilt and then put it back on. What is the correct procedure for doing this? Do I need to disconnect any battery cables or simply disconnect the wires and then the bolts holding it on? Same question for putting it back on.

Thanks!!!

Good practice is to ALWAYS disable the battery when working on the electrical system. Generally this is done by removing the ground cable at the battery; if your car is unaltered this would be the (+) terminal.

When you reinstall, connect the generator wires first, then reconnect the battery. If you see an arc or spark when connecting the battery, something is incorrect so recheck. Then before starting the car, "polarize" the generator. Seems this is asked almost monthly, you can search for the method or someone will almost certainly come along and post it yet once more.

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.

Thank you so much for the great help. I am learning so much every day from Guys like you and it makes all of this so much more fun.

Thanks again!

Thank you so much for the quick and informative reply. As I told the other Gentleman who responded, Folks like you make this even more fun for me, I am learning a great deal about the mechanical side of this Classic.

Thanks again, your information is extremely helpful.

Thank you so much for the quick and informative reply. As I told the other Gentleman who responded, Folks like you make this even more fun for me, I am learning a great deal about the mechanical side of this Classic.

Thanks again, your information is extremely helpful.

When you get it rebuilt, I suggest that you have a sealed bearing installed, rather than one that needs to be oiled periodically.