DC  current  flows  from  the  battery  to  brushes  and  sl 
on  the  rotor.  See  Figure  6-28. 
ip  rings 
6-5.  BRUSHES 
6-5.1  General.  The  brushes  transfer  current  from  the  volt- 
age  regulator  to  slip  rings.  The  brushes  carry  a very  low  cur- 
rent  (approximately  2  Amps)  and  should  last  the  life  of  the 
generator  set.  Abrasive  dust  on  the  slip  rings  could,  how- 
ever,  shorten  the  life  of  the  brushes.  Excessive  arcing  at  the 
brushes  could  damage  the  voltage  regulator.  Arcing  could 
be  caused  by  weak  springs,  damaged  slip  rings,  sticking 
brushes,  loose  holder,  or  poor  brush  alignment. 
6-5.2.  Maintenance. 
1.  Remove  the  end  bracket  panel  to  gain  access  to  the 
brushes. 
2.  The  brushes  must  be  free  to  move  within  the  holder  and 
held  in  proper  contact  by  the  springs.  When  properly 
positioned,  spring  pressure  on  the  brush  surface  will 
cause  the  brush  to  wear  evenly.  Figure  6-29  shows  normal 
brush  wear. 
3.  Replace  the  brushes  if  worn  excessively  or  unevenly. 
4.  Replace  the  springs  if  damaged  or  discolored. 
5.  Be  sure  to  use  original  or  identical  l/2  inch  (12.7mm) 
screws  when  reinstalling  the  brush  holder.  Longer  screws 
will  break  the  holder  when  tightened. 
6.  To  install  the  brushes  and  holder  insert  a wire  as shown 
in  Figure  6-30,  to  hold  the  brushes  in.  Position  the  brushes 
on  the  slip  rings  and  install  the  two  screws.  Remove  the 
wire. 
CAUTION 
If  the  retainer  wire  is  not  removed,  the  voltage 
regulator  will  be  damaged  when  the  generator 
is started. 
Figure  6-29.  Brushes 
WIRE 
Figure  6-30.  Brush  Holder 
STARTER 
GENERATOR 
ROTOR 
/ 
BRUSHES  & 
SLIP  RINGS 
4CR 
GENERATOR 
REGULATOR 
12  VOLT 
BATTERY 
Figure  6-28.  Buildup  Circuit 
6-8