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Old 01-13-2021, 06:30 PM   #1
russcc
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Default 6 volt generator to 12 volt

I have the 12V field coils, but was wondering if there a quantifiable advantage in amperage by using a 12V armature vs a 6 volt one ?
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Old 01-14-2021, 05:24 PM   #2
koates
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

Horses for courses. 12 volt armatures have more turns per coil and are a smaller gauge copper wire than a 6 volt armature. Like wise the field coils for a 12 volt gen have more turns and a smaller gauge wire than a 6 volt armature. The result here is if a 6 volt generator is used on a 12 volt system then performance will be compromised. Maximum safe rated amps out put would be reduced and it would take higher RPM armature speed to build up the required voltage for it to overcome battery voltage and commence charging. Now some people say their 6 volt generators work fine on 12 volts but all I can say is that they will work but not work as well as they should. Also if you leave the 6 volt field coils in the generator running on 12 volts then the field current will be double which will cause the 12 volt regulator voltage and current contacts to have a much reduced life. All in all not the best outcome for your charging system. Do what you wish. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 01-14-2021, 05:28 PM   #3
Ggmac
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

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Originally Posted by russcc View Post
I have the 12V field coils, but was wondering if there a quantifiable advantage in amperage by using a 12V armature vs a 6 volt one ?
I realize you already have the coils but i went to local parts house and asked for a 65-66 galaxie generator , removed end plates and used . 30-35 amps 12 volt $56
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Old 01-15-2021, 08:30 AM   #4
russcc
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

Thank for your responses. I was interested in the specific difference in amperage output, at a specified RPM, between a generator with 12V field coils and a 6 volt armature, vs a generator with 12V field coils and 12V armature. If you look at the output of the later Ford 12V generators, for example, 1965 Galaxie, they are rated at 30 AMPs, same as the 6 volt ones. At Rock Auto, you can buy a '60s Ford 12V generator for $45. + 19.00 shipping.
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Old 01-15-2021, 09:15 AM   #5
HD
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

Russ, I have rebuilt 100,s of these generators for customers, I have never seen a difference or any problems in useing a 6 volt armature with 12 volt field coils, if you buy a 12 volt generator to change to your generator, you must cut the mounting ear off the rear brush plate as the 12 volt armature has a rear bearing instead of a bushing on a 6 volt, and on some of the 12 volt armatures the threads are not long enough to thread your pulley on to
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Old 01-15-2021, 09:44 AM   #6
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

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The guts of a GM generator AC Delco Part # 334-1001 is a 12V unit. Summit sells a remanufactured unit for $48. Basically, you use the 6V armeture from the Ford unit. Remove the front and rear plates from the GM unit, remove the GM 12V armeture and replace it with the Ford unit. Put on the Ford rear and front plates. The Ford armeture shaft keeps the pullies correct. GM center case is the same size as the Ford unit.

Last edited by Tim Ayers; 01-15-2021 at 11:15 AM.
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:04 AM   #7
glennpm
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

Good info Tim. What is the maximum output for the GM gen?
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:14 AM   #8
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: 6 volt generator to 12 volt

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Good info Tim. What is the maximum output for the GM gen?
Glad it helps, Glenn. It should produce 20 amps @ 12V
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