replacing generator with an alternator

[2dogsnight]

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?....

[2dogsnight]

Atomic is in 1955 plywood boat, 18' Fontana

[joe_db]

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.

[Dave Neptune]

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

[joe_db]

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

It should be possible to adapt a modern regulator to the generator if needed, but IIRC you are lucky to get 15 amps out of those things.

[2dogsnight]

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.

[2dogsnight]

This old tugboat stopped by to check out my boat and chat. I felt very special

[joe_db]

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.

That is not near enough to charge a battery. If you want to keep the generator I can give you some ideas to get more output out of it.

[2dogsnight]

Joe, I would love to bring the output to previous 14.4V
What do I need to do?

[Dave Neptune]

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

[2dogsnight]

Thank you Dave,
Saw regulator that look very similar to mine.....I think the price was $210-

[joe_db]

Joe, I would love to bring the output to previous 14.4V
What do I need to do?

The first thing you need to do is decide how bad you want a generator. Adding an alternator is going to be cheaper than almost anything but the very easiest repairs to your existing system.

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?

[2dogsnight]

Would like to see how much repair to existing unit would be.
Model # GAS 4196 8L

[joe_db]

Would like to see how much repair to existing unit would be.
Model # GAS 4196 8L

So far I figured it was made in August 1956. This is going to be a bit of a challenge.
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.

[joe_db]

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.