Converting generator to alternator

[Lynn Eades]

Being a MkI*, i assume she has a 3 brush 6v generator that you put a 12 volt cut out on?
British carriers came with a "prince of darkness" model.
Basically you could put your drive end plate on a Lucas C39, if you can find a suitable armature to take your carrier drive dog.
An alternator needs higher rpm, and so will require a very small pulley.
It will be interesting to see what you do.

[chris vickery]

On this side of the pond, we usually install a low cut in regulator into the alternator to facilitate the use of the OEM pulleys on lower rpm engines.
Many fellows doing a generator to alternator swap on old tractors and machinery opt for this as these machines spend more time idling than they do high rpm driving.
The GM 10SI alternator uses a one wire hookup to make things really easy.
I also found a guy in the USA who will build you an entire alternator inside the original generator field casing; outward appearance is that of a total stock generator with new alternator technology inside. Check out www.gener-nator.com

[lssah2025]

Chris, thanks for that info, I am having some charging issues with my Lucas on my HSC, might have to look into him.

[Lynn Eades]

You could buy a small alternator that could have its "sticky out bits" machined off to fit it into your housing, a source being the likes of small Fiat tractors, and some of the small Japanese power packs.----Just some more thoughts----
A 6 volt geny can be converted to 12 volt by installing 12 volt field coils. The 6 volt armature can handle it, but a 12 volt armature is not up to it in a 6 volt application.
Most "run of the mill" batteries sold these days are "calcium" batteries (last 5 years or more). They tend not to work well in a generator application, so when you buy a battery for your old pride and joy, fitted with a generator, it would make sense to buy a suitable battery.

[The Bedford Boys]

Absolutely right about the choice of battery Lynn. I had all sorts of trouble with my land rover and resorted to taking it to a trained mechanic to look at (something I loathe doing because it costs money). He told me the new batteries are no good for old generator systems, so now I have a new lead-acid battery fitted and have no more problems.

The truck I got the engine for my carrier out of had had the generator converted to 12V by the army. Even has 12V stamped into it. The truck never drove anywhere in civilian ownership so I know it was done by the army.

[Rob Beale]

We have changed our Ford Generators to 12V by swapping the Ford body and field coils for a Lucas one. The Ford Armature and end plates fit straight in/on without adjustment.

I will have to look at it on Sunday to tell you what Lucas model we used.

Rob

[Andrew Rowe]

Hi Rob, we use the Lucas C45 12V fields, that is all you have to change out of the original gen housing, but of course you have to change the regulator and put any resistors in line for the oil and temp gauge because they still stay at 6V.

[Matt Stephenson]

There is a company called "Powergen" that makes a 12volt alternator that looks identical to the original generator. It also includes the mounts for the Ford V8 and is a straight swap fit. It comes with a single belt pulley but it is easy to swap over a dual belt pulley. I have one for my carrier engine and it is an easy job to change from the generator to alternator.