Generators -6v pos gnd

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ken-r-mer

Senior Member
My generator is starting to show signs of needing rebuilding or replacement. I'd prefer to retain the stock "look" and as I perused the factory manual, I see the 337 truck engine generator sports an additional 5A (40A max. vs the stock 35A.) The manual shows it uses the same mounting bracket.

I'm running basically a stock F-1 electrical setup with the possible future install of a 6v electric radiator cooling fan so the extra 5a might come in handy.

I happened across a rebuilt 40A unit from a 337 Lincoln for the same price as an alternator conversion unit. Anybody ever try installing the 337 Lincoln unit onto a stock 239 flattie?

Is there anything else I'd need to change due to the additional 5A?
 
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You won't gain anything by changing to a Merc generator---they are the same as Ford. The 337 is a Lincoln. JR
 
Good morning, I recently converted a Delco alternator to 6 volts for my '41 Lincoln. I can drive at night now. Used the orginal generator front plate and a 7/16 " spacer. The spacer is donut shaped.
 
Wow! $390 for an alternator that looks like a generator! I think I'll stick with the looks of my $60 110-amp 10SI and homemade brackets for a while longer. 8^)

Jack E/NJ
 
I looked at those Powergens. Nice unit, but a bit pricey. I think I have also read some articles either on this site or on H.A.M.B. about some users experiencing overheating of the unit at times because of a lack of internal ventillation? Alternator units are normally highly ventillated. Guess I'll have to think a bit more about either a $145 rebuilt 40A Lincoln generator unit (3/4" longer than the stock 35A Ford generator) and research more on the $390 Powergen unit. Mabe Powergen has corrected the overheat issues.
Even though the Lincoln is 40A maximum unit, I'm have no idea if it will solve my adding a 6V 5A electric cooling fan thereby allowing me to remove the fan from the engine (cleaner look). The Ford/Merc/Lincoln generators provide different amps at different rpms (35A max at 1250 rpm and 40A max at 900 rpm) per the mfr manual specs. So, if I'm idling at night (475-500 rpms), with the fan and lights on, will the Lincoln generator be adequate even though it has 5A more than the stock generator? Or do I need to have a real life load test done by seeing what the real loads are at idle with lights, heater fan, horn used, and turn signals on (no radio...as of yet)?

Thats why I initially asked if anybody tried this Lincoln 40A install.
 
Oooooh, Powergen #82026 $328.27 at Autopartsdealer.com w/ free shipping. And they are in CA so no tax! Well...ummmm, I'll of course report it on my Ohio income tax...IF I buy it, ahem, cough, cough.
 
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ken-r-mer wrote:>>>Ford/Merc/Lincoln generators provide different amps at different rpms (35A max at 1250 rpm and 40A max at 900 rpm) per the mfr manual specs. So, if I'm idling at night (475-500 rpms), with the fan and lights on, will the Lincoln generator be adequate even though it has 5A more than the stock generator?>>>

Be careful in interpreting 'rpms'. Alternator/Generator output specs are often expressed in rotor rpms, not crankshaft rpms.

Jack E/NJ
 
ken-r-mer said:
So, if I'm idling at night (475-500 rpms), with the fan and lights on, will the Lincoln generator be adequate even though it has 5A more than the stock generator? Or do I need to have a real life load test done by seeing what the real loads are at idle with lights, heater fan, horn used, and turn signals on.
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I can tell you from my years of experience with my stock generator that at night in the winter when I have the headlights on, heater fan, and radio, I always have to pull the throttle out some when stopped at lights to keep the RPM's high enough to keep the battery charging. So, I'm pretty sure that, no matter what the maximum amps are of a generator at speeds well above idle such as you've mentioned, like 1250 or 900, you're not going to get enough out of any generator at idle speeds of 500-600 RPM's to keep the battery from discharging with any load on it other than just the coil. That's why alternators were invented, because at low RPM's even the best generators just don't cut it.

For me, working the throttle knob is no big deal. I just set it at the level to keep the battery charging and leave it knowing that I have to push in the clutch a little earlier when coming to a stop. It's nostalgic. It's part of the whole experience every time I take a ride. Just like working the gas pedal to keep the vacuum wipers working. I love it.
 
there is a vendor in ohio that sells a altanor set up for your ford for a very good price i allways see him at hershey. it don,t look like your orignal gen but nither does a rad fan the ones that they make that fit inside your orignal are pricey
 
It's nostalgic. It's part of the whole experience every time I take a ride. Just like working the gas pedal to keep the vacuum wipers working. I love it....................
I agree with you, Old Henry. Otherwise we might as well build street rods...Bob L
 
It looks like a Delco alternator with a spacer plate and the front plate from the original Ford generator. Sorry, I can't send an E-mail pic.
 
fordy_nine said:
It's nostalgic. It's part of the whole experience every time I take a ride. Just like working the gas pedal to keep the vacuum wipers working. I love it....................
I agree with you, Old Henry. Otherwise we might as well build street rods...Bob L
Click to expand...

Or just drive the Camry.

I also haven't put turn signals on (which Old Henry didn't come with) 'cause part of the experience, and amazement to passengers, is to roll the window down and stick my arm out to signal turns. People just get such a kick out of it. It's also funny to see how other drivers "misinterpret" the turn signals. When I stick my arm out to turn left, some drivers behind have thought I was signaling them to pass me on the left. Have to watch out for those.
 
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