1918 E49 Buick generator question

[Doug Ruth]

The generator on the 1918 Buick has a small terminal that according to the shop manual is to be connected to "terminal 2" in the electrical panel. What function does this serve?

[Morgan Wright]

It motors the generator.

 

Makes the starter/generator turn very slowly so that when you kick the starter on, the teeth of the starter pinion will engage the flywheel and not clash.

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Edited January 28, 2023 by Morgan Wright (see edit history)

[DonMicheletti]

If the generator does not motor it is very likely you will not get the starter to engage the flywheel.

 

The generator winding on my car was bad so I usually had to hand crank the engine to start it because the starter wouldnt engage the flywheel.

I finally found a good unit - nice not haveing to hand crank it.

[Morgan Wright]

When the water pump shaft is installed, that wire motors the generator only, and a clicking sound happens, that clicking is the clutch that stops the distributor from turning. If the water pump shaft is not installed, motoring the generator will also turn the distributor rotor, and there will be no clicking.