Converting generator to alternator

[RichardT10829]

hey folks, my generator finally packed up, it was never up to the challenge of charging a 12v system, but hey ho !!

I am wanting to go with an alternator, but need something that will work with my carrier fan extension bracket.... Has anyone successfully done this before ?

Cheers

Richie

[chris vickery]

Richard
Not sure on the carrier ex bracket mod but I do know that on this side of the pond alternator conversions have been done on Ford flatheads.
A friend of mine did one on his 1937 coupe. A few years ago there was a gentleman in the US who was manufacturing brackets which fit in place of the generator bracket to adapt regular one wire alternators.
Maybe one of the big shops like Mac's does these now?
I have seen many types of brackets made for the purpose but the best style is one where the front of the alternator has been machined to accept the bracket as part of the intergral housing, giving the alternator the classic "look'' of a generator
With your fan extension you may be looking to a custom fabrication

[Ben]

The one I got from Jim is a copy of the old style generator but with an alternator inside. If it didn't fit straight on it must be a pretty simple modification to get it on the carrier mount.

Perhaps send the mount down so he can offer it up??

The Scout uses a standard truck style mount, the special bracket came along during the MK1's. I think theres a serial number in one of the British parts book.

You may need to modify your ammeter if its wired for a generator.

[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.

[RichardT10829]

How did you get around the fan extension issue ?

[Lynn Eades]

Richard, Matt is talking about an Australian carrier which uses Ford commercial parts, has no fan extention, and is a single belt at the generator.
If your armature is o.k. then you have options. Otherwise, you might be able to adapt the generator drive dog.

[RichardT10829]

Just weighing it all up Lynn. I know mine needs a set of brushes and the armature is a bit ropey... What are the benefits of running an alternator over a generator other than it charges the battery on idle ?

All this elastic trickery is lost on me

[Lynn Eades]

Get the armature checked out, If it checks out o.k., you can get the commutator turned.
Then you need to under cut the mica (make a tool from a ground hacksaw blade)
The problem with the generator is that it has a bush at the rear. An over tight belt will quickly stuff the bush. Then the armature "poles" (hits the pole shoes) and burns out the armature (and regulator?)
The fan extension dis engages that side load from the generator bearings and makes the geny more reliable.
Just make sure that when you have the geny rebuilt, that you pair it with a good (new or tested) regulator. When one fails the other is usually a casualty as well.
If you go over to Lucas bits, it will all be easier where you are.
If its just brushes and bearings it is easy enough.
The alternator is reliable as, but you will need a very small pulley to turn it fast enough, and then the belts will likely slip because it takes a lot to drive the big (important) fan.
The fan is also a weak area, so check it for cracks etc. while you are in there.

[Stew Robertson]

Hey Richie , just a little reminder of Marks problem in Holland

[RichardT10829]

Fan through the Rad.... or ?

[Marc van Aalderen]

Yep, but not original set-up then.

Cheers,

[Stew Robertson]

Sorry Marc ,we Canadians never were known for our spelling