Generator to Alternator
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Generator to Alternator
I've got a 1963 f100 4x4 with a 292 y block in it. The generator crapped out on me, which is very irritating because I just replaced it about a year ago. I want to simply convert to an alternator because it is cheaper, more efficient and more reliable.
I found this web sight and would like to know if this information is correct. I understand that the 10 si generator has its own regulator, but I am concerned as to weather or not it's actually as easy as simple connecting the right wires together. Is there any downfall to this set up? Will the original DC voltage regulator function the way it should with this particular alternator?
GM current for your Ford
Any input is very much appreciated
I found this web sight and would like to know if this information is correct. I understand that the 10 si generator has its own regulator, but I am concerned as to weather or not it's actually as easy as simple connecting the right wires together. Is there any downfall to this set up? Will the original DC voltage regulator function the way it should with this particular alternator?
GM current for your Ford
Any input is very much appreciated
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From: Virginia
Will the original DC voltage regulator function the way it should with this particular alternator?
But yes, I do recommend you use the GM unit that is described in the article. These are very easy to hook up. You need one heavy wire going from the stud on the alternator to the battery +, and one wire going from the #1 terminal on the alternator to a light in the dash that then hooks to the ignition switch. The #2 terminal on the GM alternator is just jumped over to the large output stud connection. That's all there is to it. I just put one of these on a 86 Ranger pickup, and it works well.
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From: Virginia
Here's a diagram of a 64 truck. Looks like a black/yellow wire going to the old regulator is your main charge wire to the battery. Check to make sure this diagram is the same as your truck.
/ 1964_07.gif
Here's all the 64 schematics.
1964 F100 - F750 Wiring Diagrams - The Old Car Manual Project
Do you have a "gen" light in the dash? If you don't, you will need to add one to make the GM alternator work correctly.
/ 1964_07.gif
Here's all the 64 schematics.
1964 F100 - F750 Wiring Diagrams - The Old Car Manual Project
Do you have a "gen" light in the dash? If you don't, you will need to add one to make the GM alternator work correctly.
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Thank you, I really appreciate the help. My truck does have a generator light. Is that the light that I have to hook it up to? Your instructions seem very simple, but what exactly is the light that i have to hook it to?
I have a shop manual, I believe its the same as the one you posted.
I have a shop manual, I believe its the same as the one you posted.
Cargo Master
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From: Washington
<O
</OThe GEN light wire is the power feed source for the #1 terminal on the ALT… as shown in step 5 of the instructions you posted.
<O
</OSo… my gut feeling is there is an extra small wire on the “A” terminal on voltage regulator (VR) not shown on the schematic that goes to the GEN light. To test/verify this turn the key ON and see if the GEN light comes on, if it does remove the small wire on the A terminal on the VR and see if the light goes off.
<O
</OJim
<O
</O<O
</O
Cargo Master
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From: Washington
It just verifies that you have found the correct wire for the #1 terminal on the GM ALT.
<O
</OYou will then need to reattach the small wire from the VR “A” terminal to the #1 terminal on the GM ALT when you get around to installing the ALT.
Jim
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From: Virginia
Jim's correct. Your "GEN" light uses a plastic socket with two wires going to it. One side of the bulb is connect to the ignition switch. This wire is hot when the key is in run.
The other wire that leaves the bulb goes out to your original generator system. When you first turn the key, this puts 12v on one side of the gen bulb, and since the engine is not turning the generator, the other wire going to the bulb is near ground, so the light lights up. When you start the engine and the generator system is working, it will put 12v on the bulb wire. Since there is already 12v on the other side of the bulb from the ignition switch, the bulb goes out. If there is a problem with the gen system, the 12v on the gen system side of the bulb will drop, and the gen light will come on. This can be as simple as the fan belt flying off.
The great thing about it; The newer GM alternator works the same way. So like Jim said, if you can find this gen bulb wire in the old system, and run it over and hook it to the #1 terminal on the GM alt, it will work as original.
The other wire that leaves the bulb goes out to your original generator system. When you first turn the key, this puts 12v on one side of the gen bulb, and since the engine is not turning the generator, the other wire going to the bulb is near ground, so the light lights up. When you start the engine and the generator system is working, it will put 12v on the bulb wire. Since there is already 12v on the other side of the bulb from the ignition switch, the bulb goes out. If there is a problem with the gen system, the 12v on the gen system side of the bulb will drop, and the gen light will come on. This can be as simple as the fan belt flying off.
The great thing about it; The newer GM alternator works the same way. So like Jim said, if you can find this gen bulb wire in the old system, and run it over and hook it to the #1 terminal on the GM alt, it will work as original.
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Thanks a lot for the help guys.
So just to make sure Im clear, the stud goes to the + side of the battery. The #1 terminal goes to the generator light, then the #2 wire is simply jumped to the stud that the + terminal goes to? (jumped as in, the wire is connected to the alternator itself, requiring less than a few inches of wire?)
So just to make sure Im clear, the stud goes to the + side of the battery. The #1 terminal goes to the generator light, then the #2 wire is simply jumped to the stud that the + terminal goes to? (jumped as in, the wire is connected to the alternator itself, requiring less than a few inches of wire?)
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From: Virginia
Thanks a lot for the help guys.
So just to make sure Im clear, the stud goes to the + side of the battery. The #1 terminal goes to the generator light, then the #2 wire is simply jumped to the stud that the + terminal goes to? (jumped as in, the wire is connected to the alternator itself, requiring less than a few inches of wire?)
So just to make sure Im clear, the stud goes to the + side of the battery. The #1 terminal goes to the generator light, then the #2 wire is simply jumped to the stud that the + terminal goes to? (jumped as in, the wire is connected to the alternator itself, requiring less than a few inches of wire?)
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So i Just got my alternator today. I've just about completed the bracket to make it fit. Its pretty much done and tomorrow I intend on wiring it all together, however I cannot distinguish between the #1 and #2 terminals because they are not marked. Is there any way to tell?
EDIT- I have installed the alternator and it works perfectly. I thank everyone who gave me advice. This forum is very helpful and resourceful. Thanks again.
EDIT- I have installed the alternator and it works perfectly. I thank everyone who gave me advice. This forum is very helpful and resourceful. Thanks again.
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Just found this thread searching for a solution for my '63 Galaxie - I figure it's about the same as a truck, mechanically and electrically.
The original article referenvced is now gone. Does anyone know what I should ask for at the parts store to get the right alternator? And does anyone have a link to or a pic of the bracket needed?
Thanks,
Sean
The original article referenvced is now gone. Does anyone know what I should ask for at the parts store to get the right alternator? And does anyone have a link to or a pic of the bracket needed?
Thanks,
Sean
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From: Virginia
I know a 79 Monte Carlo had this type alternator, and had a v-belt. I just used one off a 86 ss monte carlo, and it's the same type, only a little bit bigger(100 amp) and it uses a serpentine belt. I just took the Ford v-belt pulley off the Ford alternator, and it actually fit right on the 86 GM alternator.
You are going to have to eyeball the bracket thing. I was able to use the Ford bracket that the alternator swings on, with a washer in the right place to space the alternator to the right spot front and rear. I did have to drill out the GM alternator hole, the Ford alternator used a larger bolt to swing on.
Then you need to get some sort of bracket going for the belt adjustment. See what you have from the Ford, and if you need another slotted bracket to work with, you can usually go to a auto parts store that has a Mr gasket Hot rod rack, and they usually have a nice long chrome slotted universal bracket that you may be able to make work. I have used it, usually having to bend a little offset in it here and there to make it work.
You are going to have to eyeball the bracket thing. I was able to use the Ford bracket that the alternator swings on, with a washer in the right place to space the alternator to the right spot front and rear. I did have to drill out the GM alternator hole, the Ford alternator used a larger bolt to swing on.
Then you need to get some sort of bracket going for the belt adjustment. See what you have from the Ford, and if you need another slotted bracket to work with, you can usually go to a auto parts store that has a Mr gasket Hot rod rack, and they usually have a nice long chrome slotted universal bracket that you may be able to make work. I have used it, usually having to bend a little offset in it here and there to make it work.