Funny Stuff with the Armature Plate

[geekomatic]

I finally got time to change the coils,points,and condensors on the old 58 Fast Twin 18.I mounted the armature plate back down on to the drive shaft and set the points.There are four screws that actually hold the armature plate in place.They connect to a plate under the armature,and it's a real ***** to get these holes lined up.Two of these screws go thru the coil, the other two are mounted a little closer to the drive shaft.All of you know this, I'm sure.Just want to clarify everything before proceeding further..<br />Anyway:After getting the points set, I tightened the four screws down that hold the armature on to the drive shaft.Now the armature will not move at all.I re-connected the throttle arm that comes out from under the armature plate.Nothing moves.If I loosen up these four screw a bit, the armature plate moves normally when I advance the throttle.I'm pretty sure that I'm not supposed the leave these screws loose when I re-install the flywheel,but if I tighten them down,then the plate cannot advance when I apply the throttle.What did I do wrong? When I first removed the flywheel to get to the armature plate,all of these screws appeared tight, yet I could advance the throttle and the armature plate moved normally.<br />By the way.. I used absolutely no lube at all under the armature plate or around the shaft to prevent the thing from walking.Should I have used some sort of lube? Maybe that's the issue.<br />At any rate,HELP!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Funny Stuff with the Armature Plate

There should be grease on the brass bearing sleeve of the armature and also on the related upper main bearing area (block flange).<br /><br />There should be grease on the top and bottom surface of the brass retaining ring, and also on the flat portion of the aluminum ring which has the four threaded holes in it.<br /><br />You shouldn't have encountered any problem in lining up the four threaded holes in the aluminum plate with th armature plate UNLESS you had that aluminum plate upside down.... which would also have explained why the armature plate would jam when you tightened it up. The beveled side faces down.... the flat machined side faces up.<br /><br />No, those bolts/screws can not be left loose, they must be tight.

 

[geekomatic]

Re: Funny Stuff with the Armature Plate

Ahh.SO I do need to lube it up? I did not remove the brass retaining ring or the flat aluminum ring, so I know they're on there correctly.I'll apply the grease later this week and re-assemble. <br />At the moment, I'm too busy dodging the tornadoes that have popped up due to this Katrina thing floating around down here. I appears it's going to be a long night. I am quite glad I'm not in as bad a shape as a few of my buddies down in Bayou country. I've tried to make contact with them to no avail,I truly hope that they are still taking in oxygen.