replacing generator with an alternator

[2dogsnight]

Going to the boat in an hour, will check for part number

[ndutton]

Can that be done? The mounts on that cylinder head look different than a modern one.

Nothing that a late model lifting eye bracket won't solve.

[Al Schober]

I started with the 35A Motorola, modified that to add an AutoMac external regulator (better), then went to a Delco 60A single wire - which wasn't to my liking until I removed the internal regulator and added a Balmar ARS4 external regulator.

[joe_db]

My biggest issue with the old generator and regulator both is they seem to be totally unshielded spark creators. Not good in a gasoline boat

[2dogsnight]

There is a way in there somewhere.
The regulator has a part number too, if you can find it you can get another one or look up the adjustment procedures.
* NOS (new old stock) regulators seem to be about $40 and I bet NAPA has a new equivalent too.

Another thing to try is full-fielding the generator to make sure it can put out more than 12.8 volts, thus proving the regulator is the issue.

No part number or a way to do any adjustments.

[joe_db]

No part number or a way to do any adjustments.

Is that the voltage regulator relay or the cut-out? There should be 2 relays in there. The VR relay will have one wire going to the field connection. What is should do if you have an N-field generator, which they mostly are, is connect the field to ground. There should be a resistor too that connects the field to ground, so it varies between field>resistor>ground and field>ground.
Also when running the cutout just stays close and the voltage regulator should be engaging and disengaging, perhaps very fast,to hold the setpoint.

[2dogsnight]

Is that the voltage regulator relay or the cut-out? There should be 2 relays in there. The VR relay will have one wire going to the field connection. What is should do if you have an N-field generator, which they mostly are, is connect the field to ground. There should be a resistor too that connects the field to ground, so it varies between field>resistor>ground and field>ground.
Also when running the cutout just stays close and the voltage regulator should be engaging and disengaging, perhaps very fast,to hold the setpoint.

I am guessing this is a regulator, there is nothing else

[joe_db]

Very odd, I would expect one cut-out and one voltage regulator relay in there.

[2dogsnight]

Glad that you're not giving up yet
Upper red wire goes to starter solenoid, the other one don't know yet. Going to the boat soon

[2dogsnight]

Cleaned "points" in regulator again and charge was 12.8V with running motor
Checked battery with voltmeter, was 12.3V no running motor

[ndutton]

I'm at a loss to understand why, in light of the following:

My biggest issue with the old generator and regulator both is they seem to be totally unshielded spark creators. Not good in a gasoline boat

the ensuing posts continue encouragement.

[sastanley]

2dogs,
So nice to see you have continued to use this boat after the extensive rebuild...glad to see you are continuing with other upgrades! Awesome!!!

[2dogsnight]

2dogs,
So nice to see you have continued to use this boat after the extensive rebuild...glad to see you are continuing with other upgrades! Awesome!!!

thank you Shawn!
here is a little video showing my boat - except for repacking shaft part

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCMi8YxSehI

I hope you can see it

[thatch]

My day is better for having seen that.
Thanks, Tom

[joe_db]

Cleaned "points" in regulator again and charge was 12.8V with running motor
Checked battery with voltmeter, was 12.3V no running motor

That appears to be the cutout, which prevents the generator from becoming a motor. It is the mechanical equivalent of a diode. So right now we have no idea how the generator is regulated
Can you find the field connection and see what it is connected to? I am very curious what regulates this thing!
I'll repeat that whole thing looks like a spark factory!


* I flew a plane once with a starter-generator. It did not have a cutout per se, starting the engine fed it with the battery and then when the engine got going the starter became a generator and charged the battery.