Smokey:
Jack's point about pulley size brings up an interesting point.
I put a single wire alternator on my 57 GMC V8 5+ years ago.
I am very happy with it's overall performance, however at idle speed
(with Hydra-matic it is 400 RPM in gear per the manual) the alternator
spins slow enough that it does not charge at all. About the time the
engine crosses 650 RPM the alternator cuts in and all is well again.
I am guessing that the alternator that I am using was designed this
way, probably to present less load to an engine that is turning at
such a low rate.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Halton [mailto:safesix@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 2:18 AM
To: Charles Culver; oletrucks list
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] alternator vs. generator
Smokey,
Just make sure you use a smaller pulley. An alternator has to spin faster to
put out a charge at idle speed. If you use the generator pulley on an
alternator, it will work but you'll see a discharge at idle. This means
changing fan belt size, but that's a small price to pay for the increased
efficiency of an alternator.
Jack Halton
51 GMC 1/2 ton
Winter Park FL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charles Culver" <sculver@iwl.net>
To: "oletrucks list" <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2000 11:16 PM
Subject: [oletrucks] alternator vs. generator
> In the process of installing air conditioning, I have had to replace the
old
> reliable generator with a 1-wire alternator. Haven't gotten to drive it
> yet, and am just wondering if I will see any difference?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Smokey Culver
> '50 3600 5-window (mine)
> '56 3600 (hers)
> League City, Texas
>
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
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