1955 Buick Special - Generator Maintenance Question

[Skippy]

I noticed on the generator that there is a lubrication point. Quick question: What grade or type of oil should I be using and how often is this required to be done?

Thanks,

Skippy

[Ron Green]

The manual covers this pretty good as I just oiled my 55, it was starting to squeal somewhat. I believe it stated to put 3 drops in the oil fill cap with the engine off, if you have regularly oiled it. Use 3 to 5 drops allow to absorb (overnight?) into the wick and re-oil.

I use Mobil 1 (10-30) the same as the engine oil however today's lubricants are so much better then what was available in the 50's probably just about anything would be acceptable.

[Skippy]

Many thanks for your reply. I will add a drop tonight as preventative maintenance. It is running absolutely great (rebuilt unit). I am preparing an on-going maintenance checklist.

Skippy

[Guest De Soto Frank]

There's usually two oil-cups on Delco-Remy generators: one at the front, and one at the rear.

Most shop manuals recommend filling the oil cups every 5,000 miles.

The front bearing (next to the pulley) is a ball bearing and can take engine-oil.

The rear bearing is usually a "plain" bushing, which I've always been told should get only non-detergent oil, as detergent oils will clog the pores in the oil-lite bushing... same goes for the bushings in small electric motors ( and I've been told the same thing by more than one electric motor guy)... I use 3 in 1 Electric Motor Oil (white & blue bottle) for plain bushings.

If your genny has the power-steering pump driven off the back, then the rear bearing is usually a ball-bearing like the front, and regular motor oil should be okay.

Car should be taken not to over-oil the rear bearing/bushing, as too much oil can flood into the commutator and brushes, causing charging problems...

Good luck...

[Ron Green]

I have been using Mobile 1 synthetic oil in all my engines both new and old for many years and have replaced my 3 in 1 with it also. All the electric motors in the house (exhaust, furnace, etc) seem to require less maintenance and have longer service periods with the synthetic.

Have used it on a 52 year old car that's motor has never been rebuilt (76K) and also a 43 year old car that has only 5,748 miles with excellent results.

You are absolutely correct on not to over oil. I believe that the non bearing oil points have a cotton wick so the oil last a fairly long time.