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Generator or altenator

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canam1212

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Hi, I have a 62 BT7 which I am doing a complete restoration on. I am down to the bare frame right now, and getting ready to start putting it back together. I was wondering about the pros and cons of generator over altenator. I am having the generator rebuilt right now , and the tech says an altenator is more reliable but on the other hand I would like to keep it stock. Any opinions would be welcome. Thanks.
 
Alternator more power less trouble
 
I have no options...stereo, etc. the generator does fine for me, but there are plenty who will disagree.
 
I've heard all the arguments in favour of alternators, and plenty of comments putting down the old generator. Earlier this year I successfully completed a 2,000 mile round trip to the Barossa Valley in South Australia. I had a problem & suspected the bronze bushing in the generator. When an Auto Eletrician checked it out it was ok. He did express surprise that anyone would undertake such a trip without an alternator. He then conceded that as long as the fan belt is not too tight, a generator is up to the job.
I have had just as much trouble with alternators on my modern "daily driver" but I don't think you can fix one of those on the road-side.
 
stereo?, methinks is only space for an ipod!
wasnt it the alt would charge faster, but the gen was better for a large current draw?

pan, have a squeel that has appeared after I tightened the belt, after reading your post, might have to slacken it off!, its the old wide belt, from memory its about a 1/2" flex between the gen pulley and the crank pulley
had mine for about 36 yrs now
 
I'll be looking into fitting an alternator at some point, as I plan on installing bun warmers (heated seats).

Those **** BMWs have gotten me spoiled, besides, the Healey doesn't even have the heater fitted (front rollcage hoop is in the way).
 
While the alternator may be more efficient, I have replaced the alt in my 2000 Blazer, my 98 Cadillac, and my 81 GMC truck. The 64 Healey has its original generator and its working. Perhaps my issue is with the quality of manufacture of the alternators.
 
Your car has one of the earlier lower output generators than my 65 BJ8 has so this may not apply to you; I was surprised that the high output halogen head lights that I installed did not seem to overload my stock generator. I have not seen any dim lights at idle speed. I think that a stock BJ8 generator has enough power to run everything except seat heaters, high output power amps., etc. Since you have an older model car with a lower output generator, you may want to wait until you are done with your car and have a chance to see if your lights go dim at idle before you think about chnaging over to an alternator. This also assumes that you have all other good electrical components, like good switches, all good connectors, and also consider using modern headlight relays. The stock generator may have enough power for your needs.
 
[ QUOTE ]
There are places that install an alternator into a Lucas generator housing. It will cost you though!

https://www.gener-nator.com/

[/ QUOTE ]
Indeed! Up to $1100.00; all the benefits of an alternator, but without the weight savings. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
Thank you for all your input, it was interesting reading the different opinions . I think I am going with the altenator for now as the generator needed a complete rebuild , at about $250 .
 
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