Stick with it! Generators are simple! Make sure there is no damage to the
field windings because one break will wipe out all generating ability.
There are generator shops that can fix it for you if you don't want to do it,
but other than getting it apart, it isn't that big a deal. Could be as simple
as a broken or loose connection in a brush or field lead. A binding brush
will also do the same.
BTW if the bearing isn't bad, you don't have to take off the front plate.
Check the field windings independently for continuity. I've patched them
together on a number of occasions with good results.
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Central US