Hi all

I took my moke on holidays with me recently and about 500kms into the journey my generator kicked it in.

Started making a noise and I thought was a dodgy speedo cable/speedo. When filling up I realised it was the generator and not much I could do continued onto my destination hoping I would get there and sort something out while I was there. About 100km later it kicked it in; ignition light came on and began to making horrible VERY loud grinding noises.

Long story short found a auto sparky and pulled it off for him and he pulled it apart. It had torn out the bush in the end and then was chewing into the end housing and the spinning middle was hitting the wrapped coils on the sides of the housing. The auto sparky said it was because I didn't oil it.

I have never heard of people oiling their generators and a mate that runs a generator has never oiled his.

Brothers talking to a mini mechanic said that the bearings are usually soaked in oil for a day before replacement and thats all thats needed.

I had it rebuilt last year.

All my other cars have run alternators, so not real familiar with generators:

So do people put oil in there generators???


Thanks

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There is an oiling hole on the end, and it is even labeled OIL to let you know this is where it goes.

Saying that, they don't need very much at all although I've not seen the interval one is meant to oil it. I would suggest each oil change would be about right and even then only a few drops.

Phosphor Bronze does absorb oil, but only small amounts, so just a few drops would do. There's a piece of felt in there to soak up the oil and let it soak into the bush.

Dynamo belts don't need to be super tight, so watch the tension.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

The ball bearing on the drive end used to wear out before the bush did.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Sorry to hear.
My passport to service says "Lubricate the generator rear end bearing every 6000 miles" SAE 30
I might put it on my list of things to do when I get mine back on the road. I have to say that I have never oiled mine.

I had a similar experience with the dynamo on my '71 Mk3 a couple of years ago when driving back home at night, fortunately was intermittent squeal and got me back OK. After oiling it the next day it has been fine ever since, but I do now make a point of oiling it regularly.

The other similar bearing to watch is the one in the windscreen wiper motor. Again on my Mk3 this started squealing, most noticeable when screen was almost dry and motor working hard.

Took the wiper motor cover off, and oiled the top bush, as this is relatively easy to do in situ. Of course it had to be the lower bush, which means the whole motor has to come out to take apart... Did this, oiled lower bearing, and also made point of gently heating it up the bush in situ for about 15 mins when full of oil - this is meant to help the oil soak into the bearing quicker, avoids having to wait 24 hours. All back together and now working great.

So would suggest that next time you have the wiper motor off give the lower bush a clean and re-oil.

What destroys Generator Bushes is having No oil and Over tightening of belts. When oiling this bush make sure you only put a little bit of oil, enough to saturate the felt pad (if it is still in there). Too much oil flows out the other end and wets the brushes and Commutator which will ruin the brushes and generator will stop charging. So don't go crazy with the oil can in there.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

Well that might explain it.

I had the bearing replaced last yr, and I think I remember him mentioning to oil it, I just plain forgot as its not something I have ever had to do before.

Just got me thinking whether people actually do it.

I did do the belt up tight too which probably didn't help the situation

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