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Old 12-24-2023, 02:26 PM   #1
pickup
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Default converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

I watched Paul Shinn's video on changing a 12 volt Alternator over to a 6 volt Positive Ground. I purchased the kit and installed it. When I put it on the car it blows the 30A fuse when you install the fuse which tells me there is a short in the Alternator.

Can anyone tell me what to look for when I disassemble the alternator to pinpoint the short? I feel I put it together correctly.
Also this is an alternator I picked up at a yard sale but it looked OK.

With the wire off the Alternator, can I connect a test amp meter or volt meter to the one pole and test it for short or if it is putting out?
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Old 12-24-2023, 03:30 PM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

Maybe the diodes are backwards.
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Old 12-24-2023, 03:44 PM   #3
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

I agree with Bob C. Sounds like the diodes are backwards, or perhaps they sent you negative ground diodes by mistake.
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Old 12-24-2023, 07:38 PM   #4
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

I don't know how many outfits put these kits together. Quality control may not be all that good. The diode bridge should have identification on it. They use a jumper wire as well. The GM 10si is the most common unit. I've not done any others.
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Old 12-25-2023, 08:15 PM   #5
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

Some I have seen the diode group is isolated from the case and a jumper to the case is used to make either positive or negative ground, the regulator determines the voltage
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Old 12-26-2023, 09:26 AM   #6
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

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Positive and negative ground use the same regulator. Negative screws directly to the case, positive uses insulated screws, and jumpers the negative side to the output. You may have omitted the insulators.
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Old 12-26-2023, 12:49 PM   #7
w.michael
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

If the alternator was good, why was it at a yard sale? I would say it is a core for trade-in on a rebuilt alternator. Take your kit out, trade the core in on a rebuilt alternator, and then re-install your kit in the rebuilt unit. This assumes you did not fry the kit by installing it the first time.

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Old 12-26-2023, 07:07 PM   #8
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

I looked for the kit to do this, but none of them have the pulley necessary for the wide belt used on the Model A. Anybody have a source for the pulley only?
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Old 12-27-2023, 02:21 PM   #9
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

A person would likely have to purchase a wide belt pulley separately. They are available.
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Old 12-27-2023, 03:31 PM   #10
Bob C
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Default Re: converting a 12 volt alternator to a 6 volt positive ground

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldspert View Post
I looked for the kit to do this, but none of them have the pulley necessary for the wide belt used on the Model A. Anybody have a source for the pulley only?

I think most of the vendors have them.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...6053&cat=41710
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