Generator Oil Plug

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon May 10, 2010 3:48 pm

I've read the generator documentation and I'm getting ready to pull my generator to add oil. I see the small plug on the front cover but it's behind the pulley. I was thinking of using a small rubber tube to sneak the oil into the fill hole.

Anyone dealt with this already that can provide tips?

Also, is the rear bearing sealed or am I forced to remove the back cover.

Thanks.

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Tue May 11, 2010 9:13 pm

Personally, I think its easier to pull off the Gen pulley carefully. i think you got the right idea with a flex tub for oiler feed.

I have a spare gen I was going to rebuild and I'll check to see whats in there.

took quick pic off my manual:

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 12, 2010 6:30 am

The oil reservoir is an overhaul servicing item. It specifies an exact quantity of oil to be added to the reservoir during assembly. You do not fill the cavity. If you have evidence the oil has leaked out or the bearing is noisy then you must remove the generator, clean the cavity out, inspect the bearing and add the specific amount of oil again.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:15 am

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I don't see any leaking but who's to say it didn't already leak out 30 years ago? I'd like to put a little in and see what happens. Worse that could happen is the old gummed up oil get a thinned out and bearings get some fresh lube.

Also, what's wrong with trying to poor out the old oil and adding new?

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 12, 2010 11:11 pm

who's to say it didn't already leak out 30 years ago

If that is true then your bearing should have started singing 25 years ago!

Also, what's wrong with trying to poor out the old oil and adding new?

I never said it was a bad idea. I said it was normally only done at overhaul.

Note I did say it is not meant to be filled completely. There must be expansion room so when the bearing gets warm and the fluid expands it is not force out onto the Generator's armature, brushes and fields causing poor generator performance. So if you must satisfy some need to add fluid then you must first determine how much is in there then add only enough to bring it up to the specified quantity.

These generators require a lot less maintenance than their WWII predecessors. I am a bit old fashion and believe that if it's "Not broke then don't fix it".

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Fri May 14, 2010 8:44 pm

It doesn't make any noise so maybe I'll put this on the back burner. Thanks guys.