repair for falcone generator needed

[thorny]

Hi folks, the generator on my falscone stopped working just before I sold it, I promised the new owner I'd help him get it going. Does anybody have a reputable repair facility for a 6v marelli generator? It may be the armature but were not sure, it needs to be checked...Thanks in advance Rob

[john zibell]

Are you positive it is the generator and not the voltage regulator? A quick way to test the generator is to remove it from the bike and see if it will "motorize". If you can connect 6 volts to it and it turns like an electric motor, it is OK. Just don't run it long, just enough to see if it will turn.

[thorny]

Hi John, I swapped out regulators and it was definitely the generator- we'll do the "spin" test tonite and let you know...Thanks, Rob

[thorny]

OK we did a spin test and nothing happening so at least the armature is bad. I did find a place in Maine thru Jerry Kimberlin that rewinds armatures but that's all they do, they won't service the whole generator. Should we try sending off the armature and hope nothing else is wrong? thx, Rob

[john zibell]

Getting the armature correct is the hard part. I'd start with a repaired armature, if she "spins" after that good. If not you will need to find someone who can fix brushes and perhaps the bushings. Any generator/starter shop should be able to handle brushes and bushings.

[thorny]

Thanks John, we'll send the armature out, Rob

[Christofero]

Can you post the address of the place that does armature rewinds? Any idea of cost?

My falcone's only significant problem is that the genny looks like it has spent the last twenty years in sea water - everything else is pretty much immaculate.

Regulator? isn't that built into the generator? I know that a lot of people bypass the original crap relay setup and fit an aftermarket solid state box- is that what you are talking about? In which case any sources for aftermarket solid state boxes?

Ta,

ChrisR

[thorny]

Hi Chris- the armature rewind place we sent ours out to is www.moirco.com , they are in maine. Cost for armature rewind is under $100. When mine gets back I will give you a report on the work done.
Yes originally the early style( pre 1958 or so?)generator had an internal voltage regulator, I finally gave up on keeping mine going and went to external regulator mounted under the seat. Domi-racer has a nice small bosch regulator for about $60, also early harley ones work and I think some of the 6v AC Delco ones work fine.

[Chris R]

Hi Thorny,
Any report on the job they did?

I am putting my Falcone together without the genny for the time being. I will be rewinding the field coil so if anyone wants a spare please contact me and I will make some spares. Will be potted using UV cured conformal coating and wrapped in 3m thermal tape.