Guest Sifua Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I'm beginning to succumb to the thought of NOT using a generator. There has been talk of 6 volt positive ground alternators on the scene. Have any of you used them or know what the amps size should be etc.? Or even if they really work. I would like to have a fully charged battery someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wldavis Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Sifua,I have not heard of a 6 volt, positive ground alternator, but someone probably makes one.With a digital volt-ohm meter, you should readabout 6.1 volts between the positive andnegative terminals of your 6 volt battery withthe engine off (assuming that the battery isgood). And, you should read about 7.2 voltsbetween the terminals with the engine running.If this is not the case, then you have generator,voltage regulator or wiring problems. Are you using 1 or greater gauge (0 or 00)battery cables? Are you using factory-stylecrimped-on battery cable ends? Are all theconnections between battery and cable, andstarter solenoid and cable, and starter andcable clean and tight? After I start my 6 volt, positive ground car,it takes only a couple of minutes (according tothe ammeter) to recharge the battery.Check all this and let us know the results.-Bill Davis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 You don't mention what type of car and/or electrical system you have, so the answer may vary.If you have a car from the mid to late 1930s through the end of the 6v era, then you probably have a externally regulated generator and you should be able to get the system, as originally designed, to keep your battery properly charged.If you have an earlier car then you probably have a internally regulated third brush generator. That type of car requires constant adjustment of the third brush to account for varying driving conditions and weather (cold temperature cranking, using the lights a different amount of time, etc.). If you have a Ford, it is easy: A web search will turn up a number of vendors of external regulators that look exactly like the generator cutout. If you have a car equipped with a Delco-Remy electrical system there is at least one source for a electronic regulator that mounts inside the generator. I believe that source can also make one for some models AutoLite generators.From my experience, putting an invisible electronic regulator inside of my third brush Delco-Remy generator has been perfect: The battery is kept as well charged as if I'd made the very visible change to a 6v alternator.A couple of caveats: 1) Generators do not put out very much at idle. A regulator will not change that. 2) Your old generator will not put out as much power as a newer generator or a modern alternator. If you are adding significant electrical load to your car, the original generator may not be sufficient. But then again, the rest of your electrical system will probably not be up to the task either (switches, ammeter, wire gauge, etc.).My electronic regulator web page is at:http://www.ply33.com/Repair/voltreg.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 ply33, that's a very impressive and helpful web page you provided. Very clear step by step help. I would like to see more sites like yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrbuick714 Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 I have built well over 200, single-lead alternators. I have a 6 volt positive ground alternator in stock. I can build you a 6,8,12 or 24volt alternator in a Delco case. Zero maintenance,long lasting,and will keep your battery up with a reasonable amount of driving. Been doing electrical for 60 years,and doing tt 6 days a week ,even now. Ralph Crisp BCA 2399 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrbuick714 Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Dont know what happened to my previous answer,please forgive me if it shows up,together with this one.I have built well over 250 single wire alternators,most went on "A" Fords,but they show up on about anything that has a battery and a belt to run it. I can take a Delco unit and produce 6,8.12,or even 24 Volts. I have a 6 volt POSITIVE ground unit ready to go.These units have special regulators,built in,and need zero maintenance.One wire goes right to the ammeter,and no otherconnections are needed. Ralph Crisp BCA(Buick Club of America) #2399 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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