Method and apparatus for removal and replacement of a wound stator core

A method for removing a generator core, with windings, from a generator frame, the method comprising:

• removing electrical and mechanical connections between the core and components external to the frame;
• installing a lift support assembly outboard of the core at each of an exciter end and a turbine end of the frame;
• installing a pilot shaft support assembly between an inner surface of a core bore and an outer surface of a pilot shaft at each of the exciter end and the turbine end of the frame;
• installing the pilot shaft through the first and second pilot shaft support assemblies and the core bore, the pilot shaft supported by the lift support assembly at the exciter end and the turbine end;
• decoupling the core and the frame;
• and
• activating an axial force-producing device to exert an outwardly directed force on the core to slide the core on the pilot shaft and out of the frame.