Generator Repair or Replace

[ernieh247]

Just looking for opinions, based on these pictures would you repair or replace this generator? I don't know the history of this car, I purchased it this past November not running. It is running now but the generator has no output. I noticed that the ammeter needle was laying at the bottom of the meter and when I took it apart the needle had melted into several pieces. I suspect that the generator ran away at some point. The cutout on this is a diode, don't know the condition of it. The wiring harness is in very good condition, looks like it was replaced, I verified all the connections were in the correct place and tightened them. I replaced the ammeter and the battery. I connected the output connector to the positive side of the battery and touched the case to ground and it does turn but very slowly. If more information is needed please let me know. All opinions are welcome!
Thanks,
Ernie

[Scott_Conger]

original armature, original open ball bearings, replaced wires, friction tape insulation...there is nothing to repair (and to do so will lead you straight into the arms of an alternator salesman)

spend the $$ once and buy a remanufactured generator with everything brand new, with a warrantee, from someone known in the hobby to do such work. It will be about the same price as a new alternator, will keep the car original and if set to 4-5A will probably out last you.

welcome to the affliction (and good question)

[ernieh247]

Thank You Scott,
I appreciate the honesty! Makes my decision to replace easy.
Ernie

[Ron Patterson]

Ernie
Actually your generatro looks like an excellent cantidate for rebuilding; clean and dry inside. Send it to Brent Mize and he will return with all the latest inovations (new brushplate insulators, seaaled bearings, rewound armature), install a good ammeter, check/test all the charge and discharge ciruits wiring and it will give good service for a long time.
Ron Patterson

[ernieh247]

Thanks Ron,
I will look Brent up.
Ernie