How do you test an old generator?

I have an older Onan generator model 2CK-1M spec 154U. The motor is dead (see earlier post) and before I spend too much money on it, I wondered if there is any practical way to test the generator. I tried spinning it using a 3/8" drill but I could only get ~150 rpm. At that level, I got no output. Does anyone have any suggestions on how else to test this unit?

Thanks

Assuming that the generator has a set of bearings on both ends of the armatuer, you could first wire it up as a motor assuming it is a DC machine. With a careful application of power it should roll over on its own. I have one of those little four cylinder Kohler 1 1/2 Kw generators and I rolled it over in the engine starting mode. When I plugged a light into the outlet it lighted a 120 volt lamp at about 45 volts. All this proved was that the brushes and windings were OK.

It might not take off at all if the residual magnetism in the field has disapated when spinning it with a drill motor. You may have to energise the field externally first to get it to start generating even at a low level at 150 RPM. There could be other problems also, but this might give you some ideas to try.

[Dale W]

I have an old onan dje 6.0 that quit running under a load. It runs fine, but now I get about 4 volts output. What should I do to get power back?