to30 hot generator

[DrLee]

Just mowed about 2 ac this afternoon with my 6v to30. When I parked it in the barn I noticed the generator was smoking. I didn't notice it making any noise when running but the generator motor sure was hot. I have noticed a sluggish battery lately (but it is a 6v and they always sound sluggish in my opinion). My first thought was that it is time for generator brushes. But I was wondering if this might be a voltage regulator problem or other electrical problem. Any thoughts?
Thanks again!

 

[Hollis]

bearings in generator might be going bad causing it to get hot but should here some kind of noise just a thought,,,,

 

[john(mo)]

check your battery water level first. if it is low your genny is overcharging and this could be the regulator or make sure the field wire coming from your genny is not grounding anywhere. hot genny usually a system that is overcharging.

 

[Allan from PA]

Had a similar problem on my 1954 TO30. Generator was so hot that you could not touch it. Turns out the voltage regulator was bad and burned up the generator. $130 to rebuild the generator and more to replace the VR. Just make sure you buy a very good VR or it will happen again. Allan.

 

[John (UK)]

Yes it does sound like the Voltage regulator has stuck with points closed so Generator is now trying to act as a motor but can't because of drive belt....John

 

[Mark from the Fort]

might want to make sure you are dropping a few drops of oil into the oil cups at the front and back. In a bind, you can use the dip stick to drop a few drops in.