Posted by gmharris [71.105.35.169] on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 13:13:38 :
In Reply to: Maybe it depends posted by Sherman in Idaho [24.32.202.166] on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 10:32:39 :
Good points Sherman.
I think the advice not to use emery paper originated in industrial, high-voltage applications.
I surmise that quite a bit of dust can be generated cleaning up a commutator on a large generator or electrical motor. Since this process is usually done in place, the resulting dust residue may be difficult to completely remove especially if it has migrated into the windings. Since emery dust is conductive (being a metallic oxide) there may be a remote possibility of a short or electrical arc on high-voltage equipment.
As I suggested, it's quite easy to hookup an ohm meter to see if the brushes and commutator are working properly and in need of cleaning or replacement. Often you will see the meter jump around as the generator is spun by hand indicating a problem.
On our old trucks, if your generator is working, you are a lucky guy. Leave it alone.
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