R69 (and other) field coil repair?
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2021 1:18 pm
Hi All,
I've been a member for a few years, but believe this might be my first post. I'm working on my 1960 R69, which has a charging issue. Has anyone had any success repairing the field coils, either yourself or by sending the part out for service?
I've already done a significant amount of web research and gathered up what documents I could about the issue, including the free version of Doug Rinckes /2 manual and I already own the Barrington Motor Works /2 manual. I also found a fantastic resource about aircraft 6V generator systems. While the setup is different, it's a great introduction to all of the principals of a 6V generator and regulator (https://www.flight-mechanic.com/airfram ... al-system/). The DC Generators sections (Parts 1 and 2) and Generator Controls (Parts 1 and 2) are very helpful.
I have a situation where I am getting almost no charge from the generator. The brushes have plenty of life and I have done the tests prescribed in the Barrington manual to check my armature and field coils. The armature tests AOK, and I believe my field coils are the primary issue. I checked resistance through my coils and it is 1.8 ohms (should be between 2.5 and 4.0). I also did the next step which is to run 6V DC through the field coils with an ammeter in series. A healthy field coil should draw 2.7 amps, however mine only draws 0.7 amps. Healthy field coils should each provide equal magnetic attraction to a screwdriver, however only two of my four coils have a magnetic attraction. The last test is to push in the contactor arm on the voltage regulator during this setup and the amps should decrease. Mine instead increase slightly from 0.7 to 0.8 and a 3rd coil starts to energize, tested by the magnetic attraction of a screw driver.
The bike seems to be all original and I'd prefer to keep it that way, rather than upgrade to a 12V charging system. I might go with an electronic voltage regulator, once I get the generator working.
So, I ask again, after the explanation,Has anyone had any success repairing the field coils, either yourself or by sending the part out for service? Are there other options besides trying your luck with a used set on eBay. My go-to has always been Benchmark, but as you may or may not know, Vech recently retired, closed the shop, and sold the stock to Max BMW, so that resource is no longer available. I'm not quite sure where else to go for that kind of assistance.
Thanks for any help.
Best regards,
Andrew
Los Angeles
I've been a member for a few years, but believe this might be my first post. I'm working on my 1960 R69, which has a charging issue. Has anyone had any success repairing the field coils, either yourself or by sending the part out for service?
I've already done a significant amount of web research and gathered up what documents I could about the issue, including the free version of Doug Rinckes /2 manual and I already own the Barrington Motor Works /2 manual. I also found a fantastic resource about aircraft 6V generator systems. While the setup is different, it's a great introduction to all of the principals of a 6V generator and regulator (https://www.flight-mechanic.com/airfram ... al-system/). The DC Generators sections (Parts 1 and 2) and Generator Controls (Parts 1 and 2) are very helpful.
I have a situation where I am getting almost no charge from the generator. The brushes have plenty of life and I have done the tests prescribed in the Barrington manual to check my armature and field coils. The armature tests AOK, and I believe my field coils are the primary issue. I checked resistance through my coils and it is 1.8 ohms (should be between 2.5 and 4.0). I also did the next step which is to run 6V DC through the field coils with an ammeter in series. A healthy field coil should draw 2.7 amps, however mine only draws 0.7 amps. Healthy field coils should each provide equal magnetic attraction to a screwdriver, however only two of my four coils have a magnetic attraction. The last test is to push in the contactor arm on the voltage regulator during this setup and the amps should decrease. Mine instead increase slightly from 0.7 to 0.8 and a 3rd coil starts to energize, tested by the magnetic attraction of a screw driver.
The bike seems to be all original and I'd prefer to keep it that way, rather than upgrade to a 12V charging system. I might go with an electronic voltage regulator, once I get the generator working.
So, I ask again, after the explanation,Has anyone had any success repairing the field coils, either yourself or by sending the part out for service? Are there other options besides trying your luck with a used set on eBay. My go-to has always been Benchmark, but as you may or may not know, Vech recently retired, closed the shop, and sold the stock to Max BMW, so that resource is no longer available. I'm not quite sure where else to go for that kind of assistance.
Thanks for any help.
Best regards,
Andrew
Los Angeles