hello,does anyone know how to bench test a 12 volt harley generator ?

 

There are several types of HD gens; which one you talkin' about?

 

model 58 R

 

it's on my 59 pan thats converted to 12 volt.

 

When I had my 55 Panhead, I just took the generator to a starter/alterator repair shop and they checked it for free.

 

that does'nt answer question.

 

Hmm, everything I show sez the 58 series was 6 volt. But I have seen some 6v gennies converted to 12v, so ...

Here's what I have on testing them.

1. Remove wire from generator "F" terminal. Connect a jumper wire from "F" terminal to ground.

2. Remove wire(s) from generator "A" terminal and connect to positive side of 0 - 30 amp ammeter.

3. Run engine at 2000 rpm, and briefly connect negative lead of ammeter to positive battery terminal.

**** Don't run engine for too long with generator field grounded.
**** Disconnect ammeter lead from battery before stopping motor.

4. If ammeter reads 15 amps or more for 6v gennie, it's OK. If ammeter reads 10 amps or more for 12v gennie, it's OK.

5. After reconnecting the gennie wires, flash the field coils to polarize the gennie. Do this by briefly touching a jumper wire between "BAT" & "GEN" terminals on the regulator before starting the engine.

Unless you're restoring this beastie, cop a solid state regulator. It'll last forever and help the gennie last, too.

 

Thanx for the info. heres the stamping it's a fan cooled gen.


12 V

harley davidson

made in usa

model 58 R

 

Cool, means I learned something new today. The fan cooled gennies are rated for 20 amps. The field coils have 4 leads instead of 2 leads.

 

i don't know the history on this gen, ive had it for five years with no problemes,till now. it has only two leads,armature looks good,brushes are too short. does anyone know where to get a set of brushes for this gen ? i ordered a set from J&P but were the wrong ones. (it's a two brush) with the wire that goes through the spring. an allmost sqaure looking brush, not skinny and rectanguler, any help would be appreciated.