Alternator help

[mcmud]

My alternator burned up a few days ago. I looked into getting it rebuilt and was curious about the reliability of it then. I would also like to bump up the output if possible too. I found a few kits and what not online, I was just curious what everyone has done that has had this problem. I also found a conversion to add a second alternator on to run a 12 v system as well to easily add cb's, lights, etc. Any input would help!! Thanks.

 

[Suprman]

There are some threads where guys switched over to a modern civ alternator with good results.

 

[MtnSnow]

This might give you some help

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?85317-M925A2-Delco-Style-Alternator

 

[74M35A2]

The original alternators have marginal quality, even after a rebuild. The above mentioned Delco conversion will likely prove to add some reliability and at a much lower cost, so as long as you are not going for originality, it could be a win-win.

Depending on what you want for a 12V system, yes you could also add a 12V alt, or even add a second 24V alt to increase available current at idle and overall. Depends on your intended load usage.

 

[machinist75]

Try this. I used them on one of my deuces without a hitch. Mention steel soldiers for a discount.http://wolverinetechnologiesllc.com/M925Alternator.html

 

[74M35A2]

As another option, it is likely just the regulator portion that has failed. I have yet to do it, but if this is the case, you should be able to test this by supplying 24V directly to the alternator rotor momentarily via the brush wires (one will be ground, one will be +24VDC), and see if charging is restored. If so, you can purchase and install a Delco 24V regulator for very low cost to get your original unit back to operational. A regulator is just a FET type transistor, which is just a fast switch. It turns current on and off to the alternator rotor to set the output voltage to a desired target, based upon load demand.

 

[Wildchild467]

This might help. I just found it and have not looked though it myself. I might just to see what I can learn, even though mine works good now.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-Alternator-and-Generator-Repair-Parts-manual

 

[Wildchild467]

My alternator has always worked fine even though it does not look the best. While I was working on it a while back, I noticed the exciter wire that supplies 24 volts to the alternator was about to break off. It was only holding by two strands or so. It is amazing it was still holding. That would be another thing to look for. Make sure you have power going to your alternator. Without it, it will not charge. It’s good to check the simple things first if you haven’t already.

 

[74M35A2]

My alternator has always worked fine even though it does not look the best. While I was working on it a while back, I noticed the exciter wire that supplies 12 volts to the alternator was about to break off. It was only holding by two strands or so. It is amazing it was still holding. That would be another thing to look for. Make sure you have power going to your alternator. Without it, it will not charge. It’s good to check the simple things first if you haven’t already.

If it was your 12V alternator, then the frayed wire fault was probably from the hacker that installed it, since a 12V alternator is not stock.

 

[mcmud]

I ended up going with the wolverine technologies alternator. I was talking to the guy and said he uses the delco 21 and 22, best pieces of both and makes them that way. I tried calling spider marine and they hung up on me twice. I spent more and for a better product overall. I looked into getting it rebuilt and from what I understand now, these are fairly unreliable being 40 year old technology. The one from wolverine is a higher output and if something does break its easily fixed under warranty. They are also in the process of making a bracket hold a secon alternator to run a twelve volt system as well in the truck! I asked around if mine could be rebuilt and th general answer was no, the. Regulator was all burnt and more than likely it was burnt up internally like my friends did as well. I'll post pictures when I get the other one installed. Hopefully this weekend!

 

[ralph3162]

my OEM alternator burned out twice so I installed this kit for the same price a a single OEM alternator. 12v & 24v with way higher output and cheaper to replace if they ever go bad.

 

[Wildchild467]

If it was your 12V alternator, then the frayed wire fault was probably from the hacker that installed it, since a 12V alternator is not stock.

I misspoke, I meant my 24 volt alternator. Sorry