What are the effects of a broken generator

[Kee]

I finally got a chance to take my bike apart to see what was wrong with it. I found that the magnets in the generator assembly had started to deteriate and pieces had broken off.
Just wondered if anybody had any experience with this so I could see if it matched the problems I got with my bike. Just hoping the fix is that easy.

[Blueknyt]

if they crack inhalf, or broke into many pieces, then yes, if its a few minor chips around the edges then no

[Lars]

Maybe a good idea to completely strip & clean the engine. The magnetic debris will probably stick to all metal parts or clog up oil jets.

[Kee]

I will look into that but it looked like the pieces were contined in the generator.
As for the engine problem, does the generator rotor spin faster at higher rpms. Trying to determine if the loud clicking noise I hear at 3-4000 rpms is pieces of magnets being whipped around.

[Lars]

The rotor spins at the same speed as the crank (as it is mounted on the crank) so any noises will increase with the revs.

[Kee]

and would a messed up rotor cause a loss in power?

[Lars]

Probably not, is it a knocking/ tapping noise? I know from one guy that had it's engine lock up at 100 mph. De pieces of magnet from the rotor had plugged the oil holes that flow oil to the cylinder bore. (the bore is made of iron so it will attract the magnetic pieces)
The engine locked up because the piston seized in the bore.

That's why I said that it would be a good idea to check the whole engine over. Maybe all parts are contained within the rotor, but you'll never know.

[Kee]

I'll probably have a better idea if it spread or not when I figure out how to take the rotor off.
Not sure about the noise since I haven't started the engine for awhile. How I remember it, I would define it as a clicking noise.

Come to think of it, I am not even sure if there was a loss of power because when I started hearing the noise I got so freaked out I tried to keep the rpms low.

[Kee]

I haven't replaced the rotor yet but i put the bike back together. It did sound like there was something loose rattling around in the engine. Any advice on how to check it or take it apart. Can i just do it from the side by removing the engine covers?