Generator or Alternator, that is the question.

Ramblin Reck

Ramblin Reck

Senior Member
Can it be positively identified?

Is it a Generator or an Alternator on my 1939 Ford] Convertible with a replaced flat head engine. The engine is a 1947 or '48, 100HP, 59A-B, replacement with 12Volt, Positive Ground. There are no markings on it or evidence of tags removed. Previous owner has gone on to the Big Junkyard in the Sky with the sign that says "Take what you need!"

Thanks y'all!
 

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Based on the middle photo, it looks like a generator due to the length of it.
The "power gen" (generator/alternator look alike) is shorter and somewhat fatter.

If you have a voltage regulator on the fire wall, would just about confirm it to be
a generator.
 
jayvee34 said:
Based on the middle photo, it looks like a generator due to the length of it.
The "power gen" (generator/alternator look alike) is shorter and somewhat fatter.

If you have a voltage regulator on the fire wall, would just about confirm it to be
a generator.
Click to expand...


Roger that Jayvee, a 12v Regulator is on the firewall. I measured the length and it is 8.5" from the back to the end of the pulley. Hope this finds you well my friend!
 
It would be odd to go 12 volt and stay positive ground. Usually the reason to go 12 volt would be to run modern accessory's, but that would require negative ground also. I would be tempted to have a look inside
 
Simple test: An alternator will have power all the time to the output post. A generator will only have power there with the car running.



Terry
 
cas3 said:
It would be odd to go 12 volt and stay positive ground. Usually the reason to go 12 volt would be to run modern accessory's, but that would require negative ground also. I would be tempted to have a look inside
Click to expand...


No doubt about it, that it is Positive Ground. Follow the Red Wire from the post to the firewall. Follow the Black Negative wire to the Solenoid. What are you suggesting that I "should look into?"
 
Don't fix what ain't broken. I went with 12v positive ground for for quite a few years on my 36 Ford. terry
 
cadillac512 said:
Simple test: An alternator will have power all the time to the output post. A generator will only have power there with the car running.



Terry
Click to expand...
Are you referring to one of the two posts shown in this pic on the round black thing which may be a Generator or maybe an Alternator or are you referring to the battery posts?
 

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Ramblin Reck said:
Are you referring to one of the two posts shown in this pic on the round black thing which may be a Generator or maybe an Alternator or are you referring to the battery posts?
Click to expand...


The posts in your pic....but never mind. I can see the commutator and part of a brush through the opening in the housing. It's a generator for sure!


Terry
 
An alternator will bump your car to Touring A Class with all the hotrods for V8 Judging. Newc
 
Cadillac….I loved the quote from Smokey Yunick. He has to be my favorite stock car celebrity! He could go a ways further on a tank of gas than anybody else one Sunday and he got inspected after the race. He was running a 2 inch fuel line!! Smokey correctly pointed out that his tank was within specs. NASCAR put a rule in the next day that limited the size of the fuel line…
 
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