I got my 1960 Apache running a week or so ago for the first time, and noticed the generator was not charging. I did some checking and discovered the armature and field wires were reversed. Since it is in the garage where I can't tolerate exhaust fumes very long, I have not checked to see if it is charging now.
However, I decided to see if it was polorized correctly. I touched 12v to the armature terminal and..nothing happend.. it did not draw a spark. If I touch 12v to the field terminal it does draw a spark. I removed the belt and wires, and applied 12v to both the armature and field terminals at the same time and it spun briskly ...the wrong direction.It will do the same with 12v applied to only the field terminal.
This is reported to be a test of the generator to determine if it works.
All of the various article I have read regarding various do-it-yourself testing techniques have not touched on this kind of situation.I am puzzled by the fact that the armature terminal does not draw current when 12v is applied. This could easily be explained by brushes not making contact with the commutator. But if that is the case then the self motoring is not a good test of a generator.
I plan to take it to an auto electric shop for testing but thought I would share my experience with you. Any thoughts? Do we need to modify our testing procedures?
meansam
