Byron,
That is true, a normal alternator charges better at low speeds than a
generator.
The difference is these guys are probably using the one wire Delco setup.
They have to reach a certain speed before the regulator energizes the
field coils.
Thats one of the reasons I used the two wire on my truck, it is energized
by the ignition switch. You can do this without a diode by putting a 12v
light bulb in the wire from the switch to the alternator, thats how the
stock indicator lights are set up.
John Dorsey
Wauchula, FL
'49 Chevy 3800 panel
'52 GMC 640 Firetruck
Byron Schluter wrote:
> Jack,
>
> If I remember correctly from my auto school days just
> the opposite is true. Alternators put out approx. 14v
> @ idle speed where as most generators do not.
>
> Byron
> --- Jack Halton <safesix@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > Smokey,
> >
> > Just make sure you use a smaller pulley. An
> > alternator has to spin faster to
> > put out a charge at idle speed. If you use the
> > generator pulley on an
> > alternator, it will work but you'll see a discharge
> > at idle. This means
> > changing fan belt size, but that's a small price to
> > pay for the increased
> > efficiency of an alternator.
> >
> > Jack Halton
> > 51 GMC 1/2 ton
> > Winter Park FL
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Charles Culver" <sculver@iwl.net>
> > To: "oletrucks list" <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> > Sent: Monday, June 12, 2000 11:16 PM
> > Subject: [oletrucks] alternator vs. generator
> >
> >
> > > In the process of installing air conditioning, I
> > have had to replace the
> > old
> > > reliable generator with a 1-wire alternator.
> > Haven't gotten to drive it
> > > yet, and am just wondering if I will see any
> > difference?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Smokey Culver
> > > '50 3600 5-window (mine)
> > > '56 3600 (hers)
> > > League City, Texas
> > >
> > >
> > > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built
> > between 1941 and 1959
> > >
> >
> > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built
> > between 1941 and 1959
>
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