Generator questions
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New User
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Generator questions
I know generators have been discussed thoroughly. Have read through old posts. Still have a question on my 62 F100 flareside. My generator light is coming on more and more frequently when idling at stoplights. However when it is not on and I check the voltage at the battery it is generating 14.5 volts at idle. My trusty mechanic says it is dying and I may as well get a rebuilt one. Is that the reasonable option? Am I wrong to want to keep the original generator rather than change to alternator?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
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had the same problem on my 63. most people here seem to advise converting over to an alternator but i didnt want to mess with it so went down to the autoparts store got a rebuilt one put it on works fine and i own a farm so my truck gets used. i suppose if you're running xtra lighting or something an alternator would be an advantage but if not for what ya got it did the job for 40yrs.
btw don't overtighten the belt and check the new generator for flaws. first one i got was banged up. don't know but i think ford used that generator on everything from 8n tractors to whatever.
btw don't overtighten the belt and check the new generator for flaws. first one i got was banged up. don't know but i think ford used that generator on everything from 8n tractors to whatever.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,392
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From: placer county usa?
I know generators have been discussed thoroughly. Have read through old posts. Still have a question on my 62 F100 flareside. My generator light is coming on more and more frequently when idling at stoplights. However when it is not on and I check the voltage at the battery it is generating 14.5 volts at idle. My trusty mechanic says it is dying and I may as well get a rebuilt one. Is that the reasonable option? Am I wrong to want to keep the original generator rather than change to alternator?
I use Boyle future for mine in cal
Roy
New User
Joined: Jan 2013
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NO hate mail.have 64 stepside with 223 had gen probems,rebuilt gen was over 100$,used alt from 78 chevy, i think its 43 amps,ran it so i can use gen light to tell when its charging.DO NOT use 100 amp alt as it will burn down your truck. have ran same alt for over 10 yrs with no problems. had to fab mount brackets. have two 64 f100s,1 68 f100, 86 f250 an my daily driveris a 88 bronco2
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
You can buy a new set of brushes and the front/rear bearings at autoparts stores for less than 30 bucks.
Now, all you have to do is install them in your generator. If you're really cheap, just replace the brushes, about 8 bucks.
When the brushes wear down past the halfway point, the generator light flickers. When the brushes wear down to nothing, the generator light comes on and stays on.
Now, all you have to do is install them in your generator. If you're really cheap, just replace the brushes, about 8 bucks.
When the brushes wear down past the halfway point, the generator light flickers. When the brushes wear down to nothing, the generator light comes on and stays on.
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but a question- i'm not familiar with the pre-65 stuff:
why would a 100-amp alt burn down the truck?
to the OP- i don't think there's a wrong answer in this situation, keep the generator if that's what you wanna do. you'd only need a higher-performance electrical system if you had add-on electrical components (fans, etc).
New User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 12
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generator
as requested, i'll refrain from the hate mail.
but a question- i'm not familiar with the pre-65 stuff:
why would a 100-amp alt burn down the truck?
to the OP- i don't think there's a wrong answer in this situation, keep the generator if that's what you wanna do. you'd only need a higher-performance electrical system if you had add-on electrical components (fans, etc).
but a question- i'm not familiar with the pre-65 stuff:
why would a 100-amp alt burn down the truck?
to the OP- i don't think there's a wrong answer in this situation, keep the generator if that's what you wanna do. you'd only need a higher-performance electrical system if you had add-on electrical components (fans, etc).
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From: Phoenix, AZ
update on my generator issue. I've relearned much of the high school electricity stuff I had forgotten. I thought my rough running engine was seperate from my electrical system. However, after taking the carburetor apart and discovering that a ball valve under the bowl had been dislodged my truck runs amazingly smoothly. No more hesitation when I try to accelerate. Got the idle adjusted. And suddenly my generator light is not coming on. I checked voltage at the battery and it was charging 14.5 volts with engine running. I'm a happy guy. In the meantime I bought a rebuilt generator which now sits in the shop waiting for this one to eventually die. My big challenge should that ever happen will be figuring out how to polarize the voltage regulator properly. Thanks for all the feedback.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: tujunga, calif
update on my generator issue. I've relearned much of the high school electricity stuff I had forgotten. I thought my rough running engine was seperate from my electrical system. However, after taking the carburetor apart and discovering that a ball valve under the bowl had been dislodged my truck runs amazingly smoothly. No more hesitation when I try to accelerate. Got the idle adjusted. And suddenly my generator light is not coming on. I checked voltage at the battery and it was charging 14.5 volts with engine running. I'm a happy guy. In the meantime I bought a rebuilt generator which now sits in the shop waiting for this one to eventually die. My big challenge should that ever happen will be figuring out how to polarize the voltage regulator properly. Thanks for all the feedback.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 603
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From: San Antonio
I am glad to hear you are keeping the generator. I am sticking with mine because I like the uniqueness, and I do not need the extra power. They can be hard on batteries because there is not a lot extra power for recharging. I am compensating by using a charging/marine type battery that is designed to handle deep discharges for extended periods without permanently dying.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 529
Likes: 14
update on my generator issue. I've relearned much of the high school electricity stuff I had forgotten. I thought my rough running engine was seperate from my electrical system. However, after taking the carburetor apart and discovering that a ball valve under the bowl had been dislodged my truck runs amazingly smoothly. No more hesitation when I try to accelerate. Got the idle adjusted. And suddenly my generator light is not coming on. I checked voltage at the battery and it was charging 14.5 volts with engine running. I'm a happy guy. In the meantime I bought a rebuilt generator which now sits in the shop waiting for this one to eventually die. My big challenge should that ever happen will be figuring out how to polarize the voltage regulator properly. Thanks for all the feedback.
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