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Author Topic: Alternator conversion questions  (Read 2759 times)

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Offline jeffbo1

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Alternator conversion questions
« on: September 16, 2012, 03:26:41 PM »
I am currently running my CJ3A with a 12 volt system (battery, coil, voltage reg., light bulbs) and 6-volt starter which really works great at spinning over my original engine...I am not sure though if my generator (which was re-wound for 12-volt) is even putting out anything. The amp gauge shows a constant voltage draw when I have the headlights on even at speed. Everything was converted to 12-volt including the bulbs and my amp gauge seems to work correctly. I am considering dumping the old generator for an alternator so at least i know my battery is being fed properly at idle and under load...I use a battery sustainer when the Jeep is parked so the battery always seems up when I initially start up and thus i never know if the battery is being depleted. It always seems energized and the starter is always lively even after sitting.

Do any of you folks have suggestions? Is there a way to test my generator for output? (I assume so) If I go with an alternator modification is there a pre-assebled kit with correct mounts etc. that anyone has had luck with?

Jeff

PS..I never see any positive push on the amp gauge such as when the engine is revved verses when sitting at idle...I only get an indication of load (below zero) such as when the brake lights come on or I load the system with the headlights etc..

Offline F Bill

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Re: Alternator conversion questions
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2012, 04:57:18 PM »
Probably the easiest cure would be a one wire GM alternator conversion, and it would most likely end up being the least expensive too if you source your own parts instead of buying a kit. THe brackets are fairly simple to make if you have access to a drill press,welder, and some metal to make it from. The alternator could easily be purchased out of a U-Pullit yard for $25 or so. The kits are nice in that everything is all ready to install with instructions but they usually are way overpriced for the reman alternator they include.

That said, who rewound your generator for 12 volts? Did they also sell you a 12 volt regulator to match it? If it was recently purchased, it would behoove you to bring the jeep back to them to test out.....seems as if something in your generator/regulator/wiring is amiss. Realize even a 12 volt generator is not going to give you the amerage that a good alternator can, but it should at least keep your battery charged and the ammeter on the positive side of the scale most of the time. The simplest cure may be just to polarize the system, and your rebuilder should be able to tell you how to do that in a few minutes. There are several different circuits for generators and regulators so I won't attempt to explain that. If you Google VERNCO tech tips, he has a good section on generators.
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Offline jeffbo1

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Re: Alternator conversion questions
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2012, 08:55:35 PM »
Thanks for the great info! It has been several years since I had the generator rewound, and i did polarize it so maybe what i should attempt is to see what sort of output it has before i abandon it completely...at any rate i think i am on the right track..and thanks again for the helpful info....Jeff
« Last Edit: September 16, 2012, 08:56:11 PM by jeffbo1 »