Generator to Alternator - is it worth it? what's involved?

[Doris]

Hi all,
just looking for advice please. generator light is on,tested the unregulated out put & it is only 1 o 2 v output.I've tried re polarizing the generator but its just the same = minimal out put.got to take it off, but do I replace with another generator - what is the benefit with going to alternator?

Q - could you add to my list of EVERYTHING,right down to the last bit of what I may need to get it up & running please....

1. Alternator
2. new Alternator stand

- what changes to my wiring do I need to make?
- Do I need to change the fuel pump?
- Fan?
- Fan plate?

cheers in advance - Rob

 

[Doris]

Sorry, loads a questions - can the change over be done with the engine in place?

 

[sparkywig]

You'll need an alternator and stand, top pulley, fan housing backing plate and belt.
If you've got an early fuel pump you won't need to change it.

Tricky but manageable to do with the engine in place, but so much easier to drop the engine and you can have a quick check over while it's out.

The wiring is straightforward to change as well.

 

[bac2ba6]

Sounds daft but take it you have checked the 2 brushes in you current genny havent worn down ,

my genny light used to come on and out put was low , changed the brushes £4 ish quid and back to normal output again ,

Alternators do charge better but in saying that ive run a dynamo for years with no problems and thats connected to a leasure circuit aswell ,

just have a butchers at ya brushes check then havent worn right down

 

[sparkywig]

There's no need to change the dynamo if it's working fine, worth £4 for a set of brushes to check.
It'll easily cope with normal life unless you're planning on a huge sound system and loads of accessories.

 

[creationblue]

I agree with Wig, it's not worth doing for the sake of it. Mine packed up so I changed the brushes but it was the voltage regulator at fault. I did convert when I had a 1776 built as I wanted everything new, I'm sure there are better things to spend your sheets on

 

[Doris]

OK chaps, thanks so far. The brushes look ok. Tbh,other than stock,I'll only be running a small amp & a couple of spot lamps so I don't feel I neeeed the alternator.

Anything else to check on the generator?
Re Polorize - check,
brushes-check,
wired correctly-check

 

[Clem]

Ive done a couple of conversions just using second hand parts. Fit a alternator stand and an alternator and change the fan belt, once youve swapped the wiring over its done. Usually costs £30? tops.

 

[Doris]

Ive done a couple of conversions just using second hand parts. Fit a alternator stand and an alternator and change the fan belt, once youve swapped the wiring over its done. Usually costs £30? tops.

Cheers Clem,good plan! what about the top pulley & the fan mounting plate things? Why change the belt?

Cheers - Rob

 

[RednWhite]

You shouldn't really have to repolarise it unless its been sitting for a while. I've found in the past that the instructions for repolarising dynamos by just sparking wires off terminals doesn't always do it. You need to run it as a motor - try these instructions:

http://www.wolfgangint.com/Parts/Generators/Type+1/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Doris]

Yeah has been sitting for a while. Found a broken wire inside today. The field wire had come away from the D- terminal inside the body. Soldered it back on and still no joy!!

Going to look for another genny first I think.

 

[Clem]

Ive done a couple of conversions just using second hand parts. Fit a alternator stand and an alternator and change the fan belt, once youve swapped the wiring over its done. Usually costs £30? tops.

Cheers Clem,good plan! what about the top pulley & the fan mounting plate things? Why change the belt?

Cheers - Rob

Ive always re-used the old pulleys and fan mounting plates ... I change the belt as a matter of course. There may be clearance issues with some single carb/fuel pump combinations, but Ive never experienced any.

 

[Doris]

Sack this idea, it's been nothing but a pita! Got a alternator & the backing plates & the stand but it all don't fit!

If I use the OG backing plates, the fan rubs on the fan housing front as they are dished in to compensate for the longer bus dynamo.

If I use the supplied backing plates, the fan rubs on the backing plate,would take millions kf shims to bring it far enough forward, possible not leaving enough thread on the hub shaft.if it is shimmed out to stop that...it rubs on the front again.

I think the issue maybe related to the fact that I'm using a sp fan and fan housing!? Or.... The fact that it's 68/69 only???

I also reckon there is different fan hub's - this one isn't right for the job, it lets the fan sit too far back on the hub..is there a different type?

What I've learnt....stick with stock/OG/VW !!!!

 

[sparkywig]

Don't understand what the problem is.
I've got a early '69 singleport and fitted the Machine 7 kit with no problems, other than the 3 duff alternators......

 

[Doris]

Don't understand what the problem is.

neither do I !!! This is a GSf kit & it's cheap Chinese tat, most unlike me but I was desperate to get it running.

Anyway,I've had the original German Bosch genny tested and its working (despite being told it was dead) so I'm staying stock. Even if I have to get it re-wound in the future I'm NOT fitting sub standard *empi* Chinese tin plate crud.:angry: