postwar 3530 generator car with pole/light

Well to start with, the 3530 has no sound, or it shouldn't have. Probably just needs a new replacement driving washer for the 'fan' is all.

I did replace the washer with a new 6 finger one.  no change at all.  Also it used to make a kind of "hum" sound when running, maybe that was because of the fan turning.  True, it has no real "sound" system.

o gauger

I assume when you open the door, the light goes on but the fan does not turn? Does the fan unit show any life? Not much to go wrong with these cars. Broken coil wire at the switch contact lugs? Shake a little powdered graphite on the driving washer.

yes, lights are all fine, also tried the graphite, no luck.  Just shows no sign of life but for years did run fine.  I did notice though it was slowly getting more and more difficult to start running.  Thought the new washer would do it but no change.  Fan turns very easily by hand.  All looks very clean for the hole.   Now it just does not turn at all.  I checked the wiring and resoldered all the contacts, no change.  Really bugs me, it should work, I agree with you the thing has not much to go wrong with

o gauger

Is the coil actually getting energized? I guess need to know if this a electrical problem or a mechanical one.

I will later get on that point very carefully and let everyone know.  I agree this thing should run.  Maybe a wiring break or poor connection that I have not found.   Something I am overlooking

o gauger

Problem solved!  There is a single filament "hot" wire to the coil that when resoldered fixed the headache.  I also put my old 3 fingered washer and new 6 fingered washer in and both work!  I had not resoldered that one before.   thanks everyone.  I knew this thing should work.

ogauger

Attaboy!