56 generator -alternator swap
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Postmaster
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From: oh
56 generator -alternator swap
I am sure you guys have discussed this,but my 56 is discharging,and I am about to travel.I am not real sure on the difference in the two.Do you think I should rebuild the gen.,or put in an alternator,and which one?I am afraid the gen will give me future problems,--but that is cause I am not too savvy about them.Thanks---oh I cleaned my vacuum wipers and put new hose on and I have wipers now!!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Rural Southern Colorado
Any chance the voltage regulator could have swapped polarity... or be sticking? Mine used to do that all the time. If the voltage regulator is good but the generator simply isn't charging, new brushes will usually fix that.
Is there a reason you think you need more juice than the generator will put out? That's the only reason I can see for upgrading to an alternator.
Is there a reason you think you need more juice than the generator will put out? That's the only reason I can see for upgrading to an alternator.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Vancouver Island
Alternators are supposed to put out more current at idle than generators, which is useful if you spend much time in traffic jams, and they can put out more amps. The easiest alternator to install is one of those "one-wire" models, but it wasn't hard to put a regular 61 amp Ford alternator on my 223 six. $20 at a swap meet got me a rebuilt one complete with new regulator. I made a bracket out of 1/4" bar, but you can probably buy a shiny chrome one for your engine if it is something more popular than a 223.
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Postmaster
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From: oh
I really don't figure on needing more electical needs-my truck is stock and I only need stereo installed.I do not even have a heater --I bought one from another truck,but don't plan to put it in now.So I guess the generator will do--and it doesn't charge on idle--and that is normal?I will take it off this weekend and decide then---thanks everyone.I like the idea of alternator ,but-if my 50 yr.old truck made it this long-I will most likely keep her.thanks BILL
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Originally Posted by Nuthin
Is there a reason you think you need more juice than the generator will put out? That's the only reason I can see for upgrading to an alternator.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Rural Southern Colorado
LOL! Poor Ross! In the 10 years I drove mine daily, I had to rap on the voltage regulator with a pair of knuckles twice (replaced it once before I learned the trick), replaced the brushes once (at 130K miles), and had to re-swap polarity once.
It's all according.
It's all according.
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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I actually found an outfit on the internet that rebuilds delco remey delcotron alternators as six volt positive ground units.
Works like a charm and I kept all my accesories six volt so they won't burn up. I use a voltage invertor for the stereo
Works like a charm and I kept all my accesories six volt so they won't burn up. I use a voltage invertor for the stereo
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Adams,CO.
Years back, there was a Generator repair shop every sq mile. Wonder why?? However, once you understand them ( or where to kick it) it is easy to repair and maintain. My 48 F1 was a stock ( orig) and was still working good in 97 when I sold it. Now I toss to the swap bait pile.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Yes, it is normal for a generator not to show a charge at idle especially if you are using any electrical accessory. You usually need to bump up the RPMS a little before you see a charge. Unless you feel you want the truck totally stock, dump the generator. It's a dinosaur. Alternators put out more current at idle and at speed, are easier to maintain, and you will have brighter headlights. There must be a reason no car manufacturer puts them on new cars anymore... 
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From: oh
Guys--what alternator would I replace my generator with?I have a 1956 Ford F600 and in process of bolting a aluminum roll-off bed on it for a hauler.I will probably only have a stereo installed is all,and I would definately like the idea of brighter headlights.So--which alternator is easiest and works best for my 272 2barrel? thanks men!!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: AKRON ohio
Bill,
My F-600 roll back had the generator. I had no problem running the winch as long as the engine was running just a litle off idle. Worked for me. I also dont like to modify or change anything so that said I'd repair the generator and the amount of miles you'll put on that rig it will last a long time.
Kevin
PS Let me know when you want to come down or going to summit racing. I'm free most fridays and saturdays. But not this saturday
Kevin Bigwin
My F-600 roll back had the generator. I had no problem running the winch as long as the engine was running just a litle off idle. Worked for me. I also dont like to modify or change anything so that said I'd repair the generator and the amount of miles you'll put on that rig it will last a long time.
Kevin
PS Let me know when you want to come down or going to summit racing. I'm free most fridays and saturdays. But not this saturday
Kevin Bigwin
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
You will probably have to make a bracket or modify the generator bracket to accept any alternator you use on your 272. The easiest install would be a GM one-wire available through most any aftermarket parts supplier. The one-wire means just that. One wire goes from the BAT terminal on the back of the alternator to the positive side of your battery (any large post connected to the positive side of the battery like the starter solenoid or the starter itself). That's it. There are no other wires or a regulator to contend with...a lot easier than the generator and regulator you now have and all the wiring. 