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Q & A: Polarizing / Generator Testing

Restoring a 61 MGA 1600. Tried checking out the Lucas 22744B C40 generator that is out of the car and unused for years. Hooked up a DC volt meter to the D (fat flat spade) and grounded to the casing, then turned the armature with a brush on a drill - got nothing at all. I read an article that talked about the magnetic field being lost over time so I wanted to be sure I do this properly if that is indeed the next thing to try.
Found articles that talk about polarizing and jumper wires which weren't entirely clear to me on where to "touch" the wires and they all have me doing it with the generator and regulator in the car usiing the hot side of the starter solenoid.....so that is why I'm asking for your help. Can you advise me on how to establish the magnetic field and bench check the generator unit? By the way I intend to convert to a negative grounded system in my restore.
I'm thinking this 22744 was a replacement unit as I'm only finding references to it in Midget/Sprite and TC/TD applications. I would intend to replace it with the appropriate generator from MOSS if this one turns out to be bad. Any thoughts about going for an alternator if a replacement is required?

First polarize the generator by grounding the case and energizing the small spade, the "F" terminal, with the hot wire from your battery. This magnetizes the poles on the field windings.

Now, when you spin the generato... read more