Can you see the actual motor? If so, can you take a picture of it and post it? You might have to email it to me I think this forum says you're not allowed to post pics until you've been here a while...toysforwatts at gmail.com
If it's a big three phase disc motor, which I have seen on potters wheels, then yes it'll work. It won't make a particularly powerful turbine but it'll work well. It's the same kind of motor as used on direct drive washing machines.
If it has a big DC motor, which is more common but not quite you describe, then it would still work but not great.