Reply To: reluctance of generator to charge upon spring startup

[Gregory Long]

Hi Tony, I would remove the cover over the brush assemblies, using your finger, a small screwdriver, or even a pair of needle nose pliers, pull out on each brush or brush holder, I’m not sure on your ’36 which it has..

My experiences are that the brushes get stuck in their guilds and holders. Sometimes just a pull and push will free up the brush, and it will then make firm contact with the commutator.

The surface of the commutator should not have any oil or grease on it.. Tuner cleaner, brake clean or even carb cleaner will work to wash the grease and oil off the commutator.

I would not be concerned about the cleaner damaging anything except any excess on painted surfaces should be wiped up, not left on the paint.

Greg Long.