55 chevy generator to a alternator ????

Old 01-20-2012, 03:20 PM
  #1  
sirswapsalot
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Default 55 chevy generator to a alternator ????

my 55 has the original generator on it (just got the car) i notice the gen light is on, only drove it a few miles anyway

how do u tell a generator is charging ?
(i was told u cant undo the cables like a new style to test it ?)

anyone take one off and put a new style 3 wire alternator on ?

how hard is that, thanks for your time nad help
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Old 01-21-2012, 06:22 AM
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markdunlap
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To see if a generator or alternator is charging, check the battery voltage after it has been setting over night. A good battery will be 12.6 volts fully charged.

Use a hand held volt meter or the car's guage if it has one.

Whatever the voltage is, start the engine and recheck the voltage. On a alternator it should start charging at idle and bring the voltage up to its setting. Many alternators increase the battery to 13.4-14.5 volts.

Generators may show a dim GENERATOR light at idle but the light should go out as soon as you raise the rpm up. Raising the idle rpm slightly may cure this. It should also show above 12.6 volts after it has topped off the battery.

If the car continues to start normally, then the charging system is working.

Sometimes turning on the head lites will change the charging voltage.
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Old 01-21-2012, 03:58 PM
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sirswapsalot
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thank you for the help...
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Old 01-22-2012, 04:21 AM
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gnsrule
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Powermaster makes an alternator in a generator case if you want to keep originality.
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Old 01-22-2012, 05:13 AM
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fla1976
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http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...=82101-2&dds=1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Powermaster/713/82101-2/10002/-1
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