26 replies to this topic

[ryanlogsdon]

Hi Everyone,

 

My '62 has eaten her SIXTH generator in a year and a half.  The most recent two lasted 250 miles and 100 miles respectively.

 

First question: any idea why they could be lasting so little time?  I bought the last 2 generators brand new, and they've got a lifetime warranty, so I've just been swapping them out.

 

Second question: as a long-term solution, could I just remove the generator entirely and fabricate some device to keep the tension on the belt.  That way, the fan would still spin.  And between drives, my trickle charger would bring the battery back up.

 

Thanks,

Ryan

[Homersimpson]

Do you know what on them is failing?

Have you measured the voltage output to see if it's in tolerance?

[Rorf]

Change over to an alternator.

[Macming]

Expensive.. but If you want to keep the original look.... Just noticed it doesn't say anything about overseas postage, but you could alway ask. Might be worth a Google search where you are they might be available nearer home.  

 

Might be cheaper to get an Auto electrician to check it out first. Unless you've already done that. (We are talking about Electrical failure, not Mechanical,ie. bearings. )

 

https://www.ebay.co....I-/201748789273

[mini13]

Bet it's a regulator box issue,

[gazza82]

Second question: as a long-term solution, could I just remove the generator entirely and fabricate some device to keep the tension on the belt.  That way, the fan would still spin.  And between drives, my trickle charger would bring the battery back up.

Don't think the battery would last long enough.

[Clubby77]

There could be a lot of issues. To narrow it down we would need to know what on the generator broke!

Do you have a proper earth strap for the Block?

Is your charge cable the right size? Are connections corroded?

What is your Charge voltage? How does it react to load?

 

I am usually getting rid of the old DC Generators when they are faulty.

Alternators are way more reliable!

 

I wouldn't run without a generator!

Worst thing you can do to your battery.

 

 

A problem i used to have:

If you have a tuned engine you will run a way higher RPM then your generator is designed to handle.

Mine went through a couple of Alternators last year before i figured it out and got a larger wheel for it.

 

G Jan

[ryanlogsdon]

 

If you have a tuned engine you will run a way higher RPM then your generator is designed to handle.

 

 

 

I tuned it up a few months back (2 generators ago).  New voltage regulator, spark plugs, HT leads, ignition coil.

 

I cleaned virtually every metal connection in the engine bay.

 

And I noticed it was idling higher than before.   So, yes, it's definitely got a higher RPM now.

[ryanlogsdon]

Change over to an alternator.

 

Hi Rorf,

 

Could you recommend a how-to guide?

[ryanlogsdon]

what on the generator broke!

 

I'll post a video of the sound ... don't know if that'd help at all.  Here's what I can say at the moment: there's copper shards in my engine bay, so something shaved the windings down!

 

When I turn the generator (having taken it out), there's a clicking sound once per revolution.

[ryanlogsdon]

 

Mine went through a couple of Alternators last year before i figured it out and got a larger wheel for it.

 

G Jan

 

Could you link me to the part?  

 

Thanks!

[timmy850]

It doesn't get much better than this video. Is your car currently positive or negative ground?

http://www.mossmotor...tor-conversion/

[viz139]

The last one sounds like mechanical rather than electrical damage. Over tightening the belt and ruining the bearings. What were the previous symptoms ? 

[ryanlogsdon]

It doesn't get much better than this video. Is your car currently positive or negative ground?

http://www.mossmotor...tor-conversion/

 

I converted it to negative ground a while back.

 

And thanks for the video!

[ryanlogsdon]

The last one sounds like mechanical rather than electrical damage. Over tightening the belt and ruining the bearings. What were the previous symptoms ? 

 

The first one died because the belt was too tight.

 

Since then, the belt's been given a good deal of play-- never enough to slip, but after watching a ton of videos on belt replacements, I've matched the amount of play.

 

The 2nd to last generator blew up internally, with copper fragments (dust size) blowing out.

 

And the most recent one died after a long test drive at high RPMs.