#1
IP: 24.113.14.223
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replacing generator with an alternator
have 1958 A4 with a generator rewired for 12V system, new bearings, still 3 brushes. Motor was used max 4 hours since partial rebuild. A week ago finally got my boat in the water, travel 25 minutes, charge to battery was 14.5V then wend up to 15.8V.
Leaving the boat I did forget to turn the ignition switch off. Next day the charge to battery was 12.2V After cleaning brushes, stator, various wires the charge is now 12.9V going to 12.2V after 10 min. Taking the generator to the shop tomorrow. Friend told me : get a GM 2 wire alternator and replace old generator...good - bad idea?.... |
#2
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Atomic is in 1955 plywood boat, 18' Fontana
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#3
IP: 138.207.177.95
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This very website sells alternators for Atomic 4s
Even a stock 35 amp A4 alternator would be a big improvement. I am not sure if any brackets will need changing. Do NOT just buy any random alternator. Even if you can get it to fit on the engine, it will be dangerous. You must get a MARINE alternator with ignition protection. Last edited by joe_db; 08-03-2021 at 08:08 AM. |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#4
IP: 155.186.122.195
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Choice
2dogsnight, been a while since I've seen you here and I remember your launch for sure.
If you want the nostalgia maintained I'd stick with the generator as it was from that period. You also have a few spare parts and should be able to track down parts needed as it was a "common" generator. If you wish to update the simplicity and quiet of an alternator is a plus as well as the reliability factor. I see it as a choice of nostalgia maintained or modernization of something tried and true. I'd go old school and try to keep the generator. Dave Neptune |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#5
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Quote:
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The Following User Says Thank You to joe_db For This Useful Post: | ||
2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#6
IP: 174.246.16.69
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Hi Dave !!
Yes, it's been 2 years since my last post. I am running my boat every day for 15 minutes or so rides. Motor runs great. It's great little boat and very unique. Those fiberglass cookie cutters boats have no souls. My little generator was diagnosed with one of the brushes not touching stator enough......and fixed by same shop that did the rebuild. My hopes for good outcome were great. Unfortunately my little generator is putting out 12.5V at 1100rpm and 12.8 -9V at 1500rpm. I believe this is enough to keep battery charged. I would like to keep the generator because it's an original and has it's place in current setting. ......and it's enough to charge battery, run position lights and possibly keep cell phone charged. Alternator guy can however fix up modern alternator, marines it, diameter wise close to original generator. I am planning to use generator this season and we will see what ideas winter will bring. |
#7
IP: 174.246.16.69
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This old tugboat stopped by to check out my boat and chat. I felt very special
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#8
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Quote:
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#9
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Joe, I would love to bring the output to previous 14.4V
What do I need to do? Last edited by 2dogsnight; 08-04-2021 at 10:13 PM. |
#10
IP: 155.186.122.195
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Well if the brushes are contacting and the windings are still good it is probably the regulator. There are far better regulators available today and adapting one to suit should not be to difficult.
Joe may have a few ideas as he seems pretty well versed on charging. And as long as the generator is good achieving a good charge with an adjustable regulator. Your charging needs are very minimal and easily achievable. Good luck keeping it original. Dave Neptune |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#11
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Thank you Dave,
Saw regulator that look very similar to mine.....I think the price was $210- |
#12
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Quote:
If you want to keep the generator then we'll have to do some digging. The connections are not as simple as an alternator. Can you read the model number from that plate? Last edited by joe_db; 08-05-2021 at 07:56 AM. |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#13
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Would like to see how much repair to existing unit would be.
Model # GAS 4196 8L |
#14
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Quote:
If you just want the 100% original generator fixed, I would ask the local antique car guys who they go to. Adapting a modern regulator to it will not be exactly '56 style, but it might work better. Can you identify the connections on the generator itself? There may be an F and A, which would be useful. |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021), Dave Neptune (08-05-2021) |
#15
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Actually we should learn what we are dealing with:
Can you provide: 1. Battery voltage at rest. 2. Battery voltage right after starting the engine. 3. Battery voltage 10 minutes after starting the engine. 4. Battery voltage with all lights on. |
#16
IP: 174.246.50.218
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Joe, I will have all that in few hours !
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#17
IP: 138.207.177.95
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I was ignoring my own advice - never go repairing before going measuring or you fix stuff that ain't broke |
#18
IP: 138.207.177.95
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#19
IP: 32.211.28.40
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As for keeping it 'original', you're already a long way from there! That engine and generator were originally 6V. The A4 went to 12V in 1963.
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#20
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Quote:
12.2 V 12.8 V 12.7 V |
#21
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Everything looks original......yes, 12V and electronic ignition.
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#22
IP: 104.174.83.118
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Depending on your goals there may be a strong case for staying with the generator. If you consider your launch a classic showpiece and want to keep it as era-correct as possible, I vote for the gen.
Here's my experience: Last year I treated myself to a classic muscle car, a future retirement gift to myself. I frequent casual cruise-in car shows and receive favorable reviews but a comment that's repeated at nearly every show is, "WOW, is that an original air conditioning compressor? That's COOL!" There are a thousand other things they could notice but the vintage, horse power robbing Harrison AC compressor gets a lot of attention.
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#23
IP: 24.113.14.223
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I just want to make it work
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#24
IP: 104.174.83.118
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In that case scrap the nostalgia and get an alternator. To keep the installation as simple as possible I recommend a Delco 10Si single wire, self excite. Put it on the engine, connect one battery cable to the output and you're done with it.
Well, almost done with it. Check the output voltage. These days higher outputs in the range of 14.7 to near 15 volts are increasingly popular but can wreak havoc with our ignition systems. The 10Si has an internal fixed point regulator that can be changed to something a little tamer, like around 14.2V. Changing the regulator is not difficult in experienced hands. Inexperienced hands however . . . . Pick your battles
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Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
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2dogsnight (08-06-2021) |
#25
IP: 24.113.14.223
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Checked brushes pushing them with a stick to make sure that they are touching, but no change.
Looking at 1 wire alternators. There is one with tach wire for Mericruiser that came up in one wire search. $86 same as 1 wire alternators. Would like to have a marine one. |
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