ring and brush cleaning\replacement big 20, big d2 and like models

[RMiller]

How do you service the rings and brushes in these generators? Mine is a first generation big d2 any help is welcome,thank you.

[cruizer]

I use a fine Emory cloth soaked in brake clean, and swish it back and forth while the engine is running at idle

[cruizer]

Now if a slip ring is heavily grooved, the brush will be buggered as well. What I do is remove the brush holder and carefully run a CNC cutter tip or tip of a box cutter into and away from the groove, then clean up the rest with coarse emory then Fine Emory cloth. Replace the brushes, seat them with the white com stock stone and off you go.

Watch out as a lot of repair shops will want you to change out your $$$ rotor, instead of a 15 minute repair

[RMiller]

Where and how do you access them? I have a feeling there behind the end of the generator housing in a spot i won't be able to see them, Miller said there's an access door, but I think they're confused also the manual said not to use Emery cloth? Sorry I had meant how to access them too not just clean them, thank you! Also I replaced the 3 leads from the generator to voltage selector, im pretty sure I have the wires right, but now the generators altenator is dead, and i have no weld or 110 outlet output I'm about to go tear back into any ideas would be much appreciated ,~~ OK so I found the slip rings and brushes and its deffinatly from the 70s because man they're Groovy! Sorry couldn't resist, but the brushes are worn in about a 35 degree angle and about 1\4 inch left on the short end of each brush, I'm going to call airgass n see if they can get a set and a service manual price, but I'm going to get some emry clotch and polish up some slip rings and maybe give this wiring some heck, is there a way to check the diodes? Thanks cruizer

[cruizer]

Well, the grit from the Emory can become lodged under the brushes and groove the slip rings. Today's Emory especially in a fine, has no problems, I also like to soak it in brake clean which also removes any contaminates from the ring itself. Rewindersuse emery as well, in this manner and it's where I picked this trick up from.

[RMiller]

Thanks! I got the rings nice and shiny and a lot smoother, do you know if it matters what amp alternator I use to excite the generator, I know it calls for a 37 amp but 65 amp alternators are more common= cheaper but if it's not good for the machine I'll find a 37amp, also the big one,can I use a single wire alternator with a ground or do I need the 3 wire style and would the Chevy alternators with the 2 wire plug work? Thanks then current one I have is $200 not stock moterolla and I'd like to put like a $40 Chevy alternator on it if I can! Also do I need one with a regulator in it or do I need one without a regulator? Also is there an easy way to check the diodes in the generator? Or any way, thanks again appreciate all your time and help

[Caligner]

ring and brush cleaning\replacement big 20, big d2 and like models

How do you seat the brushes with the com stone? I always thought you used that to clean the slip rings or armatures

[cruizer]

You use the white stone, it turns to powder goes under the brushes and mates the brushes to the slip ring or com

As for the field alternator. It's really best to use the KISS principle here and use the exact part that came off the unit.