|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
07-02-2018, 03:09 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Bismarck, ND
Posts: 84
|
Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
I have a 6V alternator on my 29 Tudor Sedan, and I noticed that the alternator pulley is significantly smaller in diameter than a standard Model A generator. The alternator pulley measured 1-1/2" or 1-3/4" diameter and I believe the Model A generator pulley is something like 3 or 3-1/2".
Seems there is always a little more play in the fan belt than should be, and I'm wondering if this is why. Should I account for this diameter difference in belt length, try to put the larger pulley on the alternator, or run it as-is? |
07-02-2018, 03:34 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,743
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
The alternator needs the smaller pulley. Does the alternator his the lower radiator return pipe??
Bob |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
07-02-2018, 03:40 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Arkansas & Alaska
Posts: 643
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
I know the alternator needs a small pulley but I have always had to make a special pulley for all of my alternators. I like a pulley about a half inch larger in diameter so I can make the grove in the center deeper. After about 200 miles the fan belts start running on the bottom of the pulley. Seems the belts are too narrow for the pulleys that come on alternators.
|
07-02-2018, 04:33 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,183
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
You usually need a shorter belt when switching to an alternator. I have never had any problem with the smaller pulley. They supply those so that it will charge at a lower rpm.
John |
07-02-2018, 05:02 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Jose California
Posts: 150
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
I switched from an A belt to a modern castellated belt which can handle the smaller alt. pulley much better. The A belts kept on stretching and finally breaking. I got it from Napa auto, just matched up the diameter. It hasn't stretched since I put it on three years ago and clears everything around it do to the belt being slightly thinner. I know it doesn't look like an A belt but a alternator doesn't look like an A generator either.
|
07-03-2018, 05:39 AM | #6 |
Senior Member
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
07-03-2018, 12:57 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Central, IL
Posts: 3,968
|
Re: Alternator vs. Generator Pulley
also be aware some alternator pullies are installed backwards throwing the belt alignment off. If you look at an alt pulley from the side (perpendicular to shaft)theres a "fat side" and "narrow" side, fat side goes out towards radiator.
__________________
1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons! |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|