Generator Bearing Oil Cups Question

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

On my '59 Cub I noticed the oil cup for the front generator bearing is missing in action. The rear cup is a black plastic deal like the cap on a straw, but much smaller. At the front of the generator where the other cup should be there's just a hole. I'm assuming they didn't switch to a sealed front bearing in '59, so two questions;

First, does anybody know where to get those little oil cups with the flip up lid? Looked online quickly last night and didn't find anything. I'll try McMaster in a few minutes.

Second, since the cup on the front of the gen has been missing for what must be a long time (there's no sign it was ever there, but most likely was)........what's the best way to clean out the junk in the hole to the bearing without pushing all that junk INTO the bearing. Short of tearing the whole generator down and pressing out the bearing, and then cleaning the hole......does anybody have any ideas on how to clean it without disassembling it?

thanks,
bob

[staninlowerAL]

The bearing cup/cap assembly is available, At a cubfest, a forum member replaced some on a magneto that was rebuilt. Sorry I don't know the parts source, maybe someone who has purchased them will post their source. You might check McDonald carb and ignition website, they're in Atlanta GA area. As for the hole needing cleaning there is a wick inside the hole that gets saturated with oil when it is serviced so it's unlikely that anything has gotten into the bearing. You could replace the wick but that's probably not necessary. The same forum member who rebuilt the magneto also had some replacement wick material on hand.

[Jim Becker]

Yes, what Stan said. I'll add 2 thoughts.
1) You could gently scratch around in the oiler hole with a pick or tiny screwdriver, to loosen up whatever has accumulated. Then blow it out with air (blowing through an inserted small tube or straw would help).
2) Although the original bearing wasn't sealed, it could now have a sealed replacement. If so, the oil cup may have been deliberately removed. No way to know without disassembly. Attempting to oil a sealed bearing won't do any damage.

[Bill Hudson]

McMaster Carr has you covered, click on the link below, follow the "grease and oil fittings" link, then scroll down the page and you will find what you are looking for.
https://www.mcmaster.com/?ref=driverlayer.com#lubrication-systems/=1cev2tl

Bill

[Glen]

Hi,
If it is an original generator, and if the hole was originally open, and not a sealed replacement generator, or something, you could use a drill bit the size just smaller than the hole, and turn it in by hand with pliers.

I would not use an electric drill. Turn it by hand. It will collect the dirt, then pull it out of the hole.
The hole might be too deep to do it in one time, go slowly, and pull it out, clean the bit, and turn it in again.

[JimCub48]

I would use a shop vac. at the same time while using the drill bit it will help suck out the dirt and prevent it from falling down on the bearning.

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

You guys are GOOD! Didn't know it used a wick......and the drill bit and shop vac sound like the way to go. And thanks for the McMaster lead......will get right on that.

Had a '76 square nose Cub follow me home today from a big auction on one of the neighbor's farms. Need to get my '59 running and ready for the season before the '76 takes all my attention (tomorrow).

You guys are so good I'll bet you'll know exactly why my '59 won't start. Check out my new post!!

thanks to all!

bob

[Glen]

Hi,
If there is a wick in the hole, the drill bit might ruin it, if you turn it through the wick. The wick could be old and fall apart easily, or it might still be good, not sure.

Taking it apart, and washing out the bearing and hole would be the best way probably. The bearing might need replacing, or might not need replacing.