Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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!

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Looks like a generator.Is there a voltage regulator on the firewall?

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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.

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Yes sir, there is a 12v Regulator on the wall.

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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!

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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?"

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Don't fix what ain't broken. I went with 12v positive ground for for quite a few years on my 36 Ford. terry

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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?

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Terry
Thanks I agree with you 110%!

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

An alternator will bump your car to Touring A Class with all the hotrods for V8 Judging. Newc

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Not my Whitney conversion, you wouldn't know it was there unless I told you:D

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Depends on what you want or going for.

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Terry
Thanks I feel much more confident calling it a Generator now

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

Thanks for asking. Doing very well my friend.:)

Re: Generator or Alternator, that is the question.
 

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…