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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Alternator

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Discussion Topic: Alternator

silverchief

08-04-2019 @ 8:25 AM

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Posts: 518
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For a number of reasons, I'm thinking about replacing the generator on my stock 46 with an alternator. I don't want to get into a discussion about "Why do you think this is necessary."

I simply need some education on what is involved should I decide to do so. What are the advantages, and are they worth the expense and trouble. Plus, other than just removing one and bolting on the other, what additional changes, or additional equipment, is required. Is the switch over fairly simple?

I would welcome input from any member, but especially those who have made the change. Who makes these things? Can you recommend one manufacturer over the other? I would like one that resembles a generator. Are they especially expensive?

Thanks very much.

therunwaybehind

08-04-2019 @ 8:48 AM

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The advantages of an alternator are that it does not have carbon brushes and a commutator of segmented brass. It has slip rings that do not have to be replaced from time to time. As electronics became solid state it also has a regulator that though heat sensitive has no point contacts to burn and arc. The final and for my experience best advantage is it has no bronze or Oilite bronze bushings to wear out and let the commutator make contact with metal brush holders or the laminated field to make contact with the field windings. Some one else should give you the detailed instructions for a technology that came in 1960 with a competitor to Ford. If you also want an AC starter I would recommend getting a hybrid to get the ability to shut down instead of idling. Hmmm! maybe a different level of change but coming.

cliftford

08-04-2019 @ 11:12 AM

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Here's why I went to an alternator: lower cost, higher output, easy to install, low maintenance I got mine from Mac's and have had to trouble with it in 3 years.

4dFordSC

08-04-2019 @ 2:41 PM

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I had my generator converted to an alternator some years ago by Ed Whitney, who advertises in the V-8 Times. It still looks like a Ford generator, and gives some charging at idle.

carcrazy

08-04-2019 @ 9:57 PM

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Do you want a 6V or a 12V alternator? If you want a 12 V alternator you can use a GM Model 10 ST that will provide up to a 63 Amp output. In addition to this alternator, you will need a special pulley and mounting bracket to adapt the unit to your Flathead. These pulleys and brackets are available from multiple sources.

silverchief

08-05-2019 @ 9:27 AM

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Thanks everybody for your input. I want to stay with 6 volts, and should I decide to make the switch, Mac's looks as good as anyone. I will give it some thought.

carcrazy

08-05-2019 @ 1:28 PM

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6 Volt alternators can also be purchased from Randy Rundle of Fifth Avenue Antique Auto Parts. You can contact him at 785-632-3450. His website is http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/

supereal

08-19-2019 @ 8:00 AM

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Be aware that an alternator on old cars does not produce the same output as newer vehicles. This is due to the size difference between the crankshaft pulley and the one on the alternator, which spins the alternators considerably slower on older cars. Observe the size comparison between vehicles. I have produced a smaller pulley for my alternator which helps somewhat, but does require a very tight belt to prevent slippage, which can affect the water pump bushings. Usually the engine speed must be increased to turn the alternator on when starting, or idling.

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