Farmall 656 sparks

Last night we took the 656 gas out for a little workout with the disk (15' tandem). After a stop for supper and refueling, we headed out to finish the 4 acres across the creek. After warming up, I noticed a spark drift away from the tractor... assumed it was out of the exhaust stack. Couple seconds later - saw another. I started noticing a spark floating away from the fan/alternator region every few seconds. Assuming I had finally gotten the engine good and hot after a year or so of light loader duty - I assumed it was just oil and debris from the block or exhaust manifold. A few passes later, the Gen light came on. Not wanting a dead tractor in the middle of the field, I drove back to the yard, unhooked the disk, and put the tractor in the shed where the lights and tools are.

I did not do any troubleshooting beyond this as I didn't have my owners manual available. I haven't been back to work on it, but got a few photos before heading to work today.

Here are my questions - I invite your feedback!
1.) Since the Gen light came on, do you suspect the sparks came from the Alternator/Generator or another source?
2.)Is the Alternator/Generator in the Photo a factory part? Please identify.
3.)What troubleshooting steps would you take from this point on? (there is a Westendorf WL30 loader on the tractor if that would cause you to instruct me differently for engine access)

It's been a few years since I posted to this site... You've been very good to me in the past. I thank you in advance for any help you can give.

Eric

I tried to attach a image location, but haven't been registered long enough yet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erico_iowa/

It is a 12v Delco generator (stock)Smell inside the end frame of the gen, it will smell a bit sour.
Likely had the brushes wear down to the point they stopped rubbing on the commutator (Inside the gen). They spark and get hot when that happens. Not usually ruined, just needs attention.
If you are electrical friendly, rebuilding and new bearings take about an hour and a half. If not, have it rebuilt, or get a rebuilt 12v generator. The regulator is probably OK.
JimN

Since your light came on your generator or alternator may have failed and is not charging. It may be brushes. I would pull it off and have it checked by your local shop. Hal

Took the Generator off - Shop put it on the test bench and it failed... pulled the end cap off and the bushing was shot. Everything had bounced around in there enough to render it unuseable. The brushes actually looked OK however!!
Now trying to decide to put new alternator on or get a rebuilt or used generator - alternator and used generator are about the same money....
Thanks for your help!
Eric