prondzy 3,867 #1 Posted February 5, 2015 Being a younger man, a couple years before 30 I didn't grow up with these older tractors and systems. I have been enjoying learning about how these old starter/generators work on our beloved horses. After venturing through my first teardown (cleaning commutator and new brushes/ bearings) things seem a little simpler and my want to further check these things out before putting them back to service enticed me to buy this little gem. I know there are ways of checking armatures out with multi-meters, but there is something about preserving these old tractors, along with the technology and nostalgia of these old tools. I have re-wired the whole unit (except for the transformer), and turned it on for the first time today and she worked! just thought I'd share. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Live4outdoors 151 #2 Posted February 5, 2015 That is really neat, being an electrician I love and enjoy these old gems and sometimes get blessed rewiring them for customers, but never got to see one of these! I think it's even better you use it! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prondzy 3,867 #3 Posted February 5, 2015 I am currently going to school to be a mechanic. I am fortunate enough that my instructors grew up with these generators and growlers and are willing to spend some extra time teaching me more about them. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,540 #4 Posted February 5, 2015 I grew up on a farm and remember using one of these to check out starters and generators over 50 years ago, thanks for putting a smile on my face. We also had a commutator cutting lathe, very cool. Each farm in the area had a few specialty tools and we would do one another's work without any money changing hands. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,468 #5 Posted March 20, 2015 So how does it work and why is it named the "Growler"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,848 #6 Posted March 20, 2015 It GROWLS!!!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,865 #7 Posted March 20, 2015 So how does it work and why is it named the "Growler"? Here is what Wikipedia has to say: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growler_%28electrical_device%29 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prondzy 3,867 #8 Posted March 21, 2015 Here is a short video of how a growler works. This machine is used for finding shorts and opens in electric armatures. It is called a growler because of the noise it makes when turned on. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQ0heuV6VE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,865 #9 Posted March 21, 2015 Interesting videos. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
