Has anyone replaced the Generator with a Powermaster 6V Alternator on an 8BA?

Pat/Ohio

Pat/Ohio

Well-known member
Hello 'Barners,

I am in the process of replacing my intake manifold (stock 8BA) on my '50. I am thinking about replacing the stock 6V generator with a Powermaster 6V positive ground alternator.

Is this a pretty straight-forward installation? What do you do with the 3 wires that are attached to the generator? Supposedly, there is only one wire that attaches to the alternator which replaces the wire from the battery post on the generator to the battery side of the starter solenoid. The Powermaster Alternator comes standard with a 5/8" pulley. My pulleys are all 3/8". They have a 3/8" pulley available that would need to be installed. Is the 3/8" belt sturdy enough for an alternator that requires more tension than a standard generator?

Pros and Cons of switching to the alternator? Can I still use the original amp gauge?

Your thoughts?

Thanks!
Pat
 
I have no experience with this so will let others give advice. I'm just sticking my nose in here to ask why so many feel it necessary to go to an alternator?

I could drive all night in city traffic without depleting the battery, with the stock 6 volt generator. If the generator is good, voltage regulator adjusted to output 7.0-7.5 volts, it seems to me there should be no need to change anything. If there are other issues (weak battery, poor electrical connections to the starter, lights, etc), changing the method of recharging the battery won't change those issues.

Am I missing something?
 
I am with Jay 100%. I have had the same generator on my '51 since I got it in 1987. It has never missed a beat, and has no trouble keeping a 800-CCA Optima fully charged all the time. You couldn't pay me to replace it.

On top of everything else, we have probably the foremost expert on these generators right here on this forum. "ndnchf" will get my money before any of those other guys.

Two mantras to repeat after me : 1.) Newer is not better. 2.) If you have a problem, fix it. No "Band-Aids".
 
i've heard that a legitimate cause to run an alternator rather than a generator is to supply more electric power. more power for electronic devices like a stereo system or electronic power steering or AC or power windows and doors which some people like to add to their vintage cars as creature comforts. ...there are legitimate reasons but if just running it stock. i see little advantage other than brighter headlights while idling.

and it's been suggested by some that the current from a vintage generator is not as clean and regular as power from an alternator. how that affects things, i can't say for sure...but if running any solid state devices like a modern radio or stereo or an electronic distributor it might be better to feed them current from alternator rather than a generator.
 
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hueyhoolihan said:
i've heard that a legitimate cause to run an alternator rather than a generator is to supply more electric power. more power for electronic devices like a stereo system or electronic power steering or AC or power windows and doors which some people like to add to their vintage cars as creature comforts. ...there are legitimate reasons but if just running it stock. i see little advantage other than brighter headlights while idling.

and it's been suggested by some that the current from a vintage generator is not as clean and regular as power from an alternator. how that affects things, i can't say for sure...but if running any solid state devices like a modern radio or stereo or an electronic distributor it might be better to feed them current from alternator rather than a generator.
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Yeah, but by then, you've already converted to 12 volts, so it's an entirely different situation entirely. None of that stuff you mentioned comes in 6 volt versions. Most of the "Big Kids" stay with 6 volt systems.
 
tubman said:
Yeah, but by then, you've already converted to 12 volts, so it's an entirely different situation entirely. None of that stuff you mentioned comes in 6 volt versions. Most of the "Big Kids" stay with 6 volt systems.
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Excuse me?
 
tubman said:
Have you ever seen a 12 volt conversion on the concours field? You're excused.

12 volt conversions are for "Street Rodders" and people who don't understand automotive electrical systems.
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Thank you for the clarification. I have solved the problem
 
tubman said:
Yeah, but by then, you've already converted to 12 volts, so it's an entirely different situation entirely. None of that stuff you mentioned comes in 6 volt versions. Most of the "Big Kids" stay with 6 volt systems.
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i think i've read that there are simple in-line step up and step down voltage converters that are relatively cheap and can be placed in a circuit to convert the voltage from 12v to 6v and 6v to 12v. and if so, there's really no need to run anything but a 6v system as long as the voltage is converted to accommodate the device(s) that's next in line to receive it.
 
I think we should all remember that this thread is about "I am thinking about replacing the stock 6V generator with a Powermaster 6V positive ground alternator." (The O/P's exact words.) A 12 volt conversion was never a part of this, and is O/T as far as I am concerned. The O/P got what I think is the correct answer to his question. It seems to me that some folks here are pushing an agenda at times.
 
There are some pretty strong opinions on alternators here and I can say I’m not a huge fan but they have their place.

Some things to consider:

Generators are a proven solution, but consider also the electromechanical regulator used with a generator set up. Way back when I was a green and simple auto elec working through college, I saw many regulators that had drifted out of spec or failed. They can be good for a very long time, but make sure you can do regular checks of charging system health. You can use your stock ammeter but check it works properly - it can fail. Ask me how I know.

I favor volt meters now but that’s a whole other impassioned debate.

The Powergen is expensive and looks like an easy and quick solution. Just a few wires to change and if you’re not chasing judges points (and squint real, real hard) they can look kinda stock. I’ve seen some run warm and fail, but having said that, there are many out there that have given years service and will continue to do so. It’s worth noting that the Powergen unit is not repairable, so unlike modern alternators, if it fails you cannot get the regulator, diode bridge or even the commutator brushes repaired. You are left with a paperweight - not even heavy enough for a boat anchor.

So, if you must have a Powergen go for it, but consider a 6V NOS electromechanical regulator. Avoid ‘Happy Lucky Rooster Brand’ or ‘NQSyZ Life Easy Upgrade’ brands.

Take the generator and regulator to an auto electrician that is competent and have the regulator adjusted to the generator .

Consider a small voltmeter. I have a tiny 5mm digital one that only I can see hidden under the dash. It tells me the output of my charging system and has saved me problems in the past.
 
fortyonerag said:
There are some pretty strong opinions on alternators here and I can say I’m not a huge fan but they have their place.

Some things to consider:

Generators are a proven solution, but consider also the electromechanical regulator used with a generator set up. Way back when I was a green and simple auto elec working through college, I saw many regulators that had drifted out of spec or failed. They can be good for a very long time, but make sure you can do regular checks of charging system health. You can use your stock ammeter but check it works properly - it can fail. Ask me how I know.

I favor volt meters now but that’s a whole other impassioned debate.

The Powergen is expensive and looks like an easy and quick solution. Just a few wires to change and if you’re not chasing judges points (and squint real, real hard) they can look kinda stock. I’ve seen some run warm and fail, but having said that, there are many out there that have given years service and will continue to do so. It’s worth noting that the Powergen unit is not repairable, so unlike modern alternators, if it fails you cannot get the regulator, diode bridge or even the commutator brushes repaired. You are left with a paperweight - not even heavy enough for a boat anchor.

So, if you must have a Powergen go for it, but consider a 6V NOS electromechanical regulator. Avoid ‘Happy Lucky Rooster Brand’ or ‘NQSyZ Life Easy Upgrade’ brands.

Take the generator and regulator to an auto electrician that is competent and have the regulator adjusted to the generator .

Consider a small voltmeter. I have a tiny 5mm digital one that only I can see hidden under the dash. It tells me the output of my charging system and has saved me problems in the past.
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Typical "apologist" post. This can go wrong, and there is that problem, and it might work better if you change some more parts out. And on top of it all, you are saying they can't be repaired? We all know they are terribly expensive. And then you add which brands of auxiliary equipment to avoid?

And you end up with the usual "Boat Anchor" comment!

I really have to ask; why did you post this?
 
Apologist!?! What do you think I'm apologising for?


OP asked an innocent enough question, and set off a flaming.

Why did I post this?

1. He can run a Powergen if he decides - even though you clearly don't approve.

2. Powergens are not field repairable.

3. Mechanical regulators are often overlooked.

4. A well set up generator and good quality regulator will suffice.

5. Not everybody is concerned with 'The Big Kids'. Really....
 
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Hi Pat, I just installed an alternator on my 52 with a Powermaster. I removed the 3 wires from the generator and separately taped the ends and then wire tied them to some other wires. I changed my pulley to the 3/8" also. Got the alternator installed and then I ran the wire from the back of the alternator to the battery screw of the regulator. I took the other 2 wires off and taped them off like the others. Then I ran a ground wire form the alternator to the frame. Belt seems ok so far. My amp meter is working also. Hope this helps. Tom
 
The OP clearly stated that he was going to stay with 6V yet there were multiple responses against converting to 12V. OT as far as I’m concerned, does anybody even read the original post?
 
Tom F OHIO said:
Hi Pat, I just installed an alternator on my 52 with a Powermaster. I removed the 3 wires from the generator and separately taped the ends and then wire tied them to some other wires. I changed my pulley to the 3/8" also. Got the alternator installed and then I ran the wire from the back of the alternator to the battery screw of the regulator. I took the other 2 wires off and taped them off like the others. Then I ran a ground wire form the alternator to the frame. Belt seems ok so far. My amp meter is working also. Hope this helps. Tom
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Thanks Tom! That's exactly what I wanted to know!

Regards,
Pat
 
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