generator or alternator

[machine girl]

what to do?

[mantta]

Keep it original-----Generator!

[kenparker]

alternator - less headaches.

[Aok]

Best to make your own choice both will charge battery Also they both have pros and cons do a search and you will see

[Fred]

Originally Posted by kenparker

alternator - less headaches.

Take two asprin & use a generator !!

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by Fred

Take two asprin & use a generator !!

LOL, that was great Fred!

Generator is the way to go, much less trouble. I haven't touched mine since I rebuilt it 15 years ago and installed my EVR. It's so trouble free that the only reason I ever look at the ammeter is to make sure the brake light hasn't burned out.

[Kevin in NJ]

Properly rebuilt the generator will just need some oil and adjusting the third brush for next several generations that your family owns the car. The generator will let you run the direct replacement halogen head lamps. This is contrary to the advice you get from the stores that sell alternators, they may have a vested interest in selling you something.

Add in a voltage regulator to eliminate the 3rd brush adjusting.

An alternator was a great thing for mechanics. They got to do more repairs on the cars that were quick and easy.
The V belt on the alternator is never tight enough to produce near the rated output. Look up how tight the V belt is supposed to be on the alt. Most are so loose you can spin the pulley.
Some single wire alt will put a slight drain on the battery.
It seems that there have been more people having troubles with their trouble free alternators on this board then generator people have generator problems.

[SHEC]

ALTERNATOR IN THE REAL WORLD OF TODAY'S DRIVING-generator for authentic/looks/point scoring - etc.

I drive quite some distance all year - thus an alternator for me........... other than that - all stock '30 Dlx. Cpe.

HAVE FUN -

"SHEC"

[AL in NY]

I have the best of both worlds with my new Russ Evans 50 amp, 6 volt, positive ground alternator built in a Model A generator housing. And it will pass fine point judging!!

[BashawT]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

I have the best of both worlds with my new Russ Evans 50 amp, 6 volt, positive ground alternator built in a Model A generator housing. And it will pass fine point judging!!

What is the cost of one of these?

[AL in NY]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

I have the best of both worlds with my new Russ Evans 50 amp, 6 volt, positive ground alternator built in a Model A generator housing. And it will pass fine point judging!!

If you don't like the "looks" of an alternator, get one of Russ Evans's units!!!

[Benson]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

I have the best of both worlds with my new Russ Evans 50 amp, 6 volt, positive ground alternator built in a Model A generator housing. And it will pass fine point judging!!

Al,

Do you have to run engine up to 1000RPM to excite this alternator OR does it excite at a lower speed?


THanks

[AL in NY]

benson, I just installed the alternator on Wednesday and haven't driven my truck yet, probably this weekend, weather permitting. I did start it up and the ammeter is at "0" idling at 700 RPM's. I'm sure I had the RPM's above 1000 at startup, so right now I can't say if I need the excite the alternator to get it to charge. The way I start my Model A is to ALWAYS put the throttle lever down a few notches before I push the starter button, even when the engine is warmed up. So the alternator will always see 1000+ RPM's initially.

[SHEC]

Ok?

[Mitch//pa]

cant blame me this is my first post on this thread

[Willie Krash]

I own an Alternator starter shop. I use a generator. Alternators just don't look right. Just my opinion. If I had to have an alternator I'd go Al's way, if I could afford it.
Admittedly I'm a fair weather driver, and drive for pleasure.

[AL in NY]

After getting caught driving in the fog at night while at the New England meet last September, my wife told me if she was going to ride in my truck after dark, I better get some better headlights. Well, this alternator is step number one in that upgrade..............It's nice to get the wife's blessing on big ticket items, considering my Model A generator didn't need replacing.

[Purdy Swoft]

I also prefer the generator. I've run alternators and every one has failed. I also got lots of rude comments about my cars that had alternators. Comments like it didn't come with an alternator and If I had a model A I would want it to have a generator. I can rebuild my own generators. I really don't know anything about an alternator and when it quits working, its just an expensive throw away. I use the Fun Projects can style voltage regulators with my generators and never have a problem with either. One thing that is really a novelty to me is that you can run the model A generator on 12 volts with no modification, can use the original wiring harnesses, original ammeter and not a single wire needs to be reversed , as long as you run positive ground. I don't run any electrical accessories and don't feel that I want or need any. I have no problems running two tail lights for safety and my tail lights, brake lights, and headlights are bright. It cranks so quick that you can hardly let off the starter button quick enough. I love it and have often said that I have the best of both worlds.

[Kurt in NJ]

You don't need an alternator to have bright lights that you can SEE with, you just need good lights

Poorly focused very bright lights would be worse in fog --all you would get is bright fog

[msmaron]

Let Tom Wesenberg chime in with hsi unit for generators..You can use the generator and put in toms little regulator and run anything.