I completely know the difference between the two, etc. Without my car in front of me, I wonder what it has? Who has what? What's common on these cars?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I completely know the difference between the two, etc. Without my car in front of me, I wonder what it has? Who has what? What's common on these cars?
Yuo can tell by just looking the the alt/gen. The alternator will have a larger (in diameter) front and then tapered down toward the shroud. The generator will the the same diameter front to back.
Generators work fine. That being said, for about $160 I have always upgraded to an alternator.
Generators work fine. That being said, for about $160 I have always upgraded to an alternator.
That's why I asked! I have bad luck with generators on old cars. Do you need to change the engine wiring to provide the exciter with 12V etc? Also do you have to install a different voltage regulator?
Single wire alt. w/ internal regulator:
B+ goes to the battery and 61 goes to the idiot light to excite the alt.
B+ goes to the battery and 61 goes to the idiot light to excite the alt.
If currently generator then you have to remove the regulator and jump wires. Most new alternators have an internal (single wire) regulator - but not all. Some older/rebuilt Bosch and Motorola generators have the external regulator (not the same as that used for a generator though).
An online search will give the "jumped wiring" diagram.
An online search will give the "jumped wiring" diagram.
KW, I have had two generators and two alternators in my car over the last 10 years. The car used to live outdoors with no protection under the grille to keep the rain, ice, snow and whatever else off of the wiring.
I got my two generators used and rebuilt from Warren Miles (the freakishly meticulous hobby rebuilder of all things VeeDub) because he was close at hand -- and he didn't charge me for them. Both had external voltage regulators, mounted elsewhere in the engine compartment.
The generators had vent openings in them on the belt-end, which allowed all kinds of garbage to collect inside. I think that's ultimately what did them in.
My first alternator also came from Uncle Warren's Used Parts Emporium (again, free is better than cheap!) but it didn't last more than a year. I believe that one was also killed by living in the elements.
The current (pardon the pun) Bosch alternator was 100 percent new when my wife bought it, and has been absolutely trouble-free. The car has been garaged for the last couple years, and has not been driven much in the rain.
The generator stand had to be modified by chewing off a shoulder for the alternator to sit on, like maybe an inch or so of the lip, but it was pretty easily done. I'd suggest not doing the grinding with the stand on the engine.
It took about three hours, but the mechanics of the situation were pretty simple.
Pictures (generator on the left, alternators on the right):
I got my two generators used and rebuilt from Warren Miles (the freakishly meticulous hobby rebuilder of all things VeeDub) because he was close at hand -- and he didn't charge me for them. Both had external voltage regulators, mounted elsewhere in the engine compartment.
The generators had vent openings in them on the belt-end, which allowed all kinds of garbage to collect inside. I think that's ultimately what did them in.
My first alternator also came from Uncle Warren's Used Parts Emporium (again, free is better than cheap!) but it didn't last more than a year. I believe that one was also killed by living in the elements.
The current (pardon the pun) Bosch alternator was 100 percent new when my wife bought it, and has been absolutely trouble-free. The car has been garaged for the last couple years, and has not been driven much in the rain.
The generator stand had to be modified by chewing off a shoulder for the alternator to sit on, like maybe an inch or so of the lip, but it was pretty easily done. I'd suggest not doing the grinding with the stand on the engine.
It took about three hours, but the mechanics of the situation were pretty simple.
Pictures (generator on the left, alternators on the right):
Attachments
Images (3)
Cory has a T4 engine though. There are alternator kits that include the right T1 stand and fan belt. If you have a mechanical fuel pump you may need to change that to one for an alternator as it will hit the fatter alternator. Many new alternators are made in CHINA and carry no identifying marks.
There were 2 large oval shaped black plastic plugs in the old generators - they get lost over time though. They were there to keep finger and stuff out. They were marginally for preventing water infiltration.
There were 2 large oval shaped black plastic plugs in the old generators - they get lost over time though. They were there to keep finger and stuff out. They were marginally for preventing water infiltration.
and if you do swap the mechanical fuel pump for a generator for one made to clear an alternator stand - make sure you have the right fuel pump push rod in there. there are 2 different lengths and it can be a PITA if you didn't know that. (ask me how i know)
or - instead of buying a new mechanical pump, push rod and gaskets... get a block off plate and electric fuel pump. lots of guys run the power off the coil +
or - instead of buying a new mechanical pump, push rod and gaskets... get a block off plate and electric fuel pump. lots of guys run the power off the coil +
And has anyone switched out the generator for an alternator with a Weber Progressive two bbl centered on a SCAT intake manifold? I'm still wondering if the center mounted carb will interfer with an alt.
Anyone....? Thanks.
Anyone....? Thanks.
Not a Scat manifold but a progressive with an alternator.
Attachments
Images (1)
I have exactly that set-up on my car David. Scat manifold, Weber two barrel progressive, and alt. I will send pics later to show fit.
I am just finishing a rebuild of my engine. Here are a few images of the Scat Manifold, Weber 2bbl prog, and alt. combo.
Attachments
Images (3)
Thanks for that Jeff and Syl. Syl, any chance you could offer a part number and the source of your alt ?
Many places have the conversion kit. You will need the right stand.
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5750-KT
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5750-KT
I love, love, love those Scat manifolds with either a Weber or Holley progressive carb. We used to run Pinto/Holley/Autocraft 2500's back in the days and they were the bomb. We didn't even have to re-jet them, just put them on and that was it and they performed as well or better than the few dual carb set-ups available in the 70's. And you never had to mess with them.......
Right you are, Gordo. The first engine I ran in my Chrstavia homebuilt had an 1800 EA 81 Soob with a Pinto carb. Never a hitch. Dead simple and straight reliable. And then I "progressed" to a Corvair engine with a Rinker redrive and finally got a real life with a Lycoming.
Ah Holley Bug Spray...