Alternators

[katy]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

The replacement regulators for the Delco alternator that I have taken apart have less than 1/2 the components of a original regulator.

Are those regulators hard to open up?

[2speed]

Turns out it was the battery. With the HF load tester, it tested good, started the car fine, but after checking all the components in the alternator which all tested good, I swapped the battery and voila, it started charging normally.


Speaking of reliability, I know that everyone loves the 10si, but I kinda like the Ford 1G. Out of a million miles on collected vehicles, changed maybe 2 of them. Looking at the external regulator circuit, it looks like it's just a zener diode that regulates the voltage. While I'm not sure that you could make it positive ground, the regulator circuit doesn't look that complicated and someone with a bit of brains could probably make it do 6 volts. A little more wiring, but the regulator could be moved out of the heat, and it could a much cheaper alternative.

[rotorwrench]

Alternators have the diode bridge to eliminate the need for a cut out. They only need a voltage regulator pole and a current limiter pole so the old ones are compact compared to a generator control unit. The modern solid state alternator control units can be pretty small so many are internal to the unit. The aircraft types have a trim pot to adjust voltage output but it's fixed on automotive stuff. They just have to have output within the acceptable range of operation.

[2speed]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Alternators have the diode bridge to eliminate the need for a cut out. They only need a voltage regulator pole and a current limiter pole so the old ones are compact compared to a generator control unit. The modern solid state alternator control units can be pretty small so many are internal to the unit. The aircraft types have a trim pot to adjust voltage output but it's fixed on automotive stuff. They just have to have output within the acceptable range of operation.

The Ford 1G alternator is current limited by design to 55 amps. Voltage is regulated through the external regulator. The circuit is fully explained in a Ford technical repair manual (which I actually have), with some components even called out like resistor values. According to the circuit diagram, a zener diode is what controls the voltage, when it reaches breakdown voltage it shuts the field current down. If someone with a little knowledge of some Darlington transistors could make a regulator that would output the required 7.2 volts, it would be a fun project. I'm just not versed enough in electronics....

[Kurt in NJ]

it’s a destructive operation most times,I am curious and had access to many at the time,the last rebuild I sourced my parts from the rebuilders scrap pile and used original parts— so far lasting much longer than ones that I used new aftermarket parts— at least 5 times longer.

[Ernie Vitucci]

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