Re: (ET) Growler

[Kirkvg aol com]

Jim and others,  I used to use a growler years ago on automotive 
generators 
and starters. It is pretty basic to use. There are three tests that I 
remember making on it. For all tests you put the center part of the 
armature 
in the "V" of the growler. For the first test turn the growler on. Hold 
the 
little steel blade (looks like a large feeler blade) on the top of the 
armature parallel to the armature shaft. Rotate the armature slowly in the 
"V" and if the steel blade vibrates on the armature at any point then the 
armature is shorted and needs to be replaced. 

The second test tests for differences of resistance in the various 
windings, 
if I remember correctly. The armature is set in the growler the same as 
above. There is two pronged handle (red on the ones I've used) that sets 
in a 
cradle. You adjust the cradle so that the two prongs touch two copper 
segments on the comutator. The contact points for the two pronged handle 
are 
to be with the comutator segments at the 3:00 position (side). With the 
growler turned on and the two pronged handle contacting two segments on 
the 
comutator you can take a reading on the meter (it seems to me that there 
was 
an adjustment knob for adjusting the reading on the meter). The initial 
reading is not what is critical. What you are looking for is if each pair 
of 
comutator segments reads the same as each other. Otherwise the armature 
needs 
to be replaced.

The last test uses two single probes (one red & one black). They are 
connected to continuity meter. You use them to see if the armature 
windings 
are shorted to ground. You use the two probes by touching one to any 
copper 
commutator bar. The other probe is touched to the armature shaft. If the 
meter reads continuity then the armature is shorted to ground and needs to 
be 
replaced.  Hope this helps.

I still believe that I have a growler at school. I will make a note to 
look 
at it to make sure I am remembering correctly. Also, I very well may have 
a 
manual for it. If so, I would be happy to make some copies and mail them 
to 
you.    Kirk