12 Volt starter/generator

[nat]

     Can the starter/generator be removed without separating the chain master link?  I want to replace the lock washer and I'd really hate to loose the links inside the chain case.

     Should the chain be tensioned by turning the eccentric in the direction of engine rotation or should that not matter?  Twice, my generator has turned within the clamp straps and loosened the chain.  What am I dong wrong?

Thanks,  Nat

     

     

[Minibago]

Hi Nat,

I think you might find that the only way you can remove the starter Generator without splitting the chain is if the chain is very very worn out therefore very loose.

The chain is tensioned by first loosening the eccentric lock bolt. A square headed bolt with a lock nut.

 

 

It fits in here.

 

 

You can see where it has marked the eccentric.

 

The clamps are not what holds the starter generator from rotating they are simply to support the weight with the tapered blocks used to position the starter generator at the correct distance from the block keeping everything at exact right angles to the chain to prevent wear.

 

 

So I think you either have no lock bolt or it is left loose allowing the rotation of the eccentric which keeps loosening the starter generator every time you use it.

Good luck, Nige.

[nat]

Thanks Nige.

     I'll try it again and tighten everything, (but the chain), a bit more than I have in the past.

     

     

[Jack Bennett]

I am supposing that your question concerns removal-reinstallarion of the starter-generator combination on a 1920’s Dodge 4 cylinder.

Absolutely, the starter-generator can be removed without breaking the chain. The threaded thing you have posted a photo of is simply the locking lug which screws into the (threaded) opening into which the nose of the starter generator is inserted to install it onto the block. Once the tension of the chain is properly adjusted (see the book) this lug is tightened to keep the adjusting ring from coming loose.

Read, and follow the instructions in the owners manual to uninstall the generator, BUT, make absolutely sure you pay particular attention to the requirement that you tie some sort of line (hooked wire) through the chain, feed it to a secure place on the engine starter-generator mount BEFORE you move the (loosened) starter-generator to the rear to remove the chain from the gear.

This step is absolutely necessary to keep the chain from falling into the opening between the crankshaft gear and the starter-generator drive gear once it is free.

Failure to do this, and ignorance of the requirement to do it will allow the chain to disappear into the opening through which it passed from the crankshaft gear, and the only way to recover it is to remove the front engine mount and timing gear cover…….and mark my word, if breaking the chain seems like a unwanted task, you don’t want to do this.

[Minibago]

I am not sure I understand Jack.

Loosening the eccentric lock bolt and the starter generator / block clamp allows the rotation of the eccentric plug (and the starter generator)

At the loosest point the chain is not slack enough to lift over the drive cog on the starter generator nose due to the chain side plate on every other link.

 

 

These side plates require the chain to be lifted clear of every tooth of the drive cog.

How are you able to remove the chain without removing the link please?