Alternator choices

[30Murray]

I am looking at upgrading my 6 volt generator to the alternator, and they all have some advantages/disadvantages.

Has anyone built their own unit, buying a kit (which interests me but not sure where to buy parts), if someone has a source let me know.

Here is a link to a kit to modify an alternator to 6 volt positive ground. I don't know anything about these so can't really comment on them. Instead I put an EVR in my generator, an earlier version of the one Mike Hill makes and it has been working reliably for about 8 years. That was after my 6 volt alternator packed it in after only a few years.


https://store.alternatorparts.com/10si-series-6volt-positive-ground-alternator-conversion-kit.aspx

 

[Dino's A]

I absolutely love my 6v Powergen alternator. Go with this and you'll
be happy.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

This slide might help you.

 

[Mike1291]

I bought a PowerGEN on Amazon last year and I'm fairly happy with it. It charges right on startup and "looks" like a Model A alternator. It even comes with an accessory bracket that mounts to your timing cover.

If you go this route, consider a few things. It is slightly larger in diameter than a generator so you may have some clearance issues with the lower rad hose when tightening the belt. It also requires adding a second ground wire (since they paint the mounting bracket). I added that and sanded the mounting bracket. Good thing too because the bolts holding the ground wire shook loose.

 

[BButturff]

I bought a PowerGEN on Amazon last year and I'm fairly happy with it. It charges right on startup and "looks" like a Model A alternator. It even comes with an accessory bracket that mounts to your timing cover.

If you go this route, consider a few things. It is slightly larger in diameter than a generator so you may have some clearance issues with the lower rad hose when tightening the belt. It also requires adding a second ground wire (since they paint the mounting bracket). I added that and sanded the mounting bracket. Good thing too because the bolts holding the ground wire shook loose.

Did you wire the PowerGen directly to the battery, bypassing the ammeter, as the instruction state? I'm considering one but would like to have the ammeter work as intended.

 

[Davidgay]

great info

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Did you wire the PowerGen directly to the battery, bypassing the ammeter, as the instruction state? I'm considering one but would like to have the ammeter work as intended.

I wired my PowerGen as original, using the original wiring. One wire to junction box, one to light switch, one to horn.

 

[rotorwrench]

My only problem with the 6-volt alternators, besides the fact that they need an alternator warning light to immediately self excite, is that the internal regulators they use have the output voltage too high for normal function of the 6-volt battery. I can't speak for the ones other than the GM 10si that are made by other sources since I don't know how they are regulated if 6-volt. The 12-volt systems function with normal output voltage for that application so it is a non issue with them but it does require all things to be functional on 12 to 14 volts

Modern LED head lamps allow a 6-volt 15 to 20 amp generator to work OK but an internal regulator is much better for the battery. Head lamp focus using stock reflectors is another question to how well they will function without blinding oncoming traffic. I seems like there is always something that has an affect that may or may not be detrimental to alterations of the electrical system.

 

[Keith True]

I haven't made any over for a few years,but I always just bought a 6 volt internal regulator and a new diode plate to make it positive ground.The few times I bothered to check I got 7.2 volts while running.Instant excitement is a zero issue.I always bought my parts from a local electrical shop that I use for equipment.

 

[rotorwrench]

The ones I've checked put out as much as 8.4-volts.

 

[BButturff]

I wired my PowerGen as original, using the original wiring. One wire to junction box, one to light switch, one to horn.

Thank you. Mine arrived today and I'll be installing it whenever the weather warms up a little. Don't mind doing it when it's 20 degrees above zero but the high here Saturday and Sunday is supposed to be 2 degrees below zero.

 

[Mike1291]

Thank you. Mine arrived today and I'll be installing it whenever the weather warms up a little. Don't mind doing it when it's 20 degrees above zero but the high here Saturday and Sunday is supposed to be 2 degrees below zero.

If it helps here's a picture of what it should look like.