1959 stock alternator

[2001convertable]

Hello, I changed my alternator belt on my 1959 today. I was wondering what the port was on the top from of the Alternator? It looks to be an oil port like the spring operated tiny ports on old style house heat circulators.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

First alternators did not come on 59 models. You may be referring to the generator. If it has an alt. it was changed over at one time. I can't picture what you are referring to as a "port". If you post a photo one of us will know what it is.
George

[1project2many]

Generators from that age vehicle often required oil be added to the bushings in the end frames. Is this what you're talking about, to the right of the brown wire with blue crimp fitting?

[starterman99]

you are talking about the oiler. the original generator had little flip top oilers front and rear to oil the front bearing and rear bushing. it requires a few drops of oil every time the engine is serviced to lube the generator bearing and bushing.when replacing the belt be careful not to tighten the belt to tight or it will burn out the bushing in the rear of the generator very quickly.

[vintovka]

Or worse the generator might suddenly turn into a motor. In describing this happening my 50 year old automotively knowledgeable neighbor asked "whats a generator?"

[mr48chev]

Old timers actually "motored" a generator to test it back in the 50's and 60's. Common wrecking yard test then to see if it worked.

As the guys said, that is a generator, not an alternator and the port (s) is/are to put a few drops of oil in at each oil change. or about every 1000 miles as that was the oil change interval for that engine then.

[2001convertable]

Thanks for the advise. I did add oil a few drops of 3 and 1. I did tighten the belt and when I drove it it smelled like burning wires.I have to loosen the belt a tad.

[1project2many]

I did add oil a few drops of 3 and 1.

Best bet is a true engine oil. 30 wt is good.