Craftsman Generator
Model# 580.32178
7 HP, I think it's a Tecumseh, with points, I need to order. A new points and condensor, I see Oregon makes them. But I want to be sure I get the right ones. I can't find any model for the engine, anywhere.
Link to pictures. https://postimg.cc/gallery/1esb39hya/
Definitely Tecumseh. I would think is old enough to have the model number of the engine stamped into the metal blower housing. Usually close to the spark plug. Should start with 143
#3
Scrubcadet10
Just where you said, it was very very rusty, got some light sand paper and parts cleaner, and brushed it the rust away, then used the paint trick.
143 6(?)6072 the digit after the first 6 is unreadable.
i think i found the parts list, i just put the whole readable part number in, then put different numbers in for the unknown one (1,2,3,4 etc) and it hit on this one.
#4
Scrubcadet10
well, i decided to start working on this old thing again. It stumping me,
the engine is extremely hard to turn over. no difference with the spark plug out either, it sounds like its binding in the generator itself somehow.
i've never been inside a generator before.. . . . . . .
Actually on searspartsdirect.com they have engines from 1-8 as the missing digit.
May be the end bearing of the alternator assembly. if not then you can the stator and then the rotor. It also can be just a dirt dabber wasp nest inside the alternator assembly. Note the rotor is mount on a tapered crankshaft end.
Worst yet could be an engine ran without oil that is binding.
#6
Scrubcadet10
If you look at the "Mounting base and regulator assembly" parts view, it has 4 long rods that are threaded on one end and connect the engine and generator ,if I loosen those rods the engine spins freely, but if I tighten it up it binds.
I will post some pictures in a bit.
#7
Hammermechanicman
You could have a bad bearing on the armature or i have seen a generator sit long enough the laminations on the armature and field windings rusted to the point of binding up the generator. You are probably going to have to split the engine and alternator and see what is binding.
#8
Scrubcadet10
I think the reason it's binding is the two halves arent matching up.
I've tried and tried to get it to seat properly...but.....no bueno.
Plus you kind of need 4 hands .it seats fine on the bottom and sides but the top is a booger.
#9
Scrubcadet10
The two yellow halves should match up square
#10
AVB
They are probably keyed and someone had it apart before and didn't align the keys up. I suggest looking to see if it is keyed.
Want something heavy try a 15kw unit. I had to use my engine crane to assemble one. Just not the person I once was.
#11
tom3
Ditto on the key, can move up the shaft a bit and jam up the works.
#12
Scrubcadet10
Thanks, will look at the key... For somereason I was thinking it just set on the taper... Didnt think of a key
#13
AVB
What I was referring to was the stator housing; not the rotor to crankshaft. Sorta like a starter housing so the mounting screws/bolts don't touch the windings and wear though from vibrations.Now with the stator out alignment the rotor might sitting off center on the tapered crankshaft. Definitely don't want it sitting off center at 3600 rpm.
#14
Scrubcadet10
I took the generator apart, a lot simpler than i thought, i exposed the big winding and magnets on the crankshaft and the ones inside the housing, there is no binding. it all goes on straight and smooth, but i cant get that cover over the 2nd piece..... it is very weird..............
i can tighten the 4 rods down that pull the two halves together, but it only pulls from the 4 corners and the top wont slip over the edge of the 2nd cover.
#15
Hammermechanicman
Bigger hammer?
#16
Scrubcadet10
I've tried everything this evening...... it seats fine on the bottom and sides but that top just won't budge!
#17
tom3
Sometimes there is a small line up lug and slot that has to be meshed to have everything in alignment, maybe at the top of the case there, could be it's not just exactly lined up? Might try to put the top together first and draw in the sides and bottom?
