Converting from generator to alternator

Converting from generator to alternator

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blueST

Original Poster:

4,378 posts

215 months

Friday 5th February 2016
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I'm looking for a little project to do and thought converting my old tractor from a generator to a dynamo might be fun and not too complicated. At present it has a titchy generator and as I have added a few extra lights it's probably not a bad idea to make the swap.

Does anyone know of a generic basic guide to what's involved electrically? I know I will need to source a second had alternator that will physically fit.

Steve_D

13,737 posts

257 months

Friday 5th February 2016
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Are you looking to just fit any old alternator or are you trying to make an alternator look like your existing dynamo.

Steve

blueST

Original Poster:

4,378 posts

215 months

Friday 5th February 2016
quotequote all
Any alternator that fits will do, although having been out its tape measure earlier, I doubt there is one commonly available (I.e. Cheap) that will fit.

paintman

7,669 posts

189 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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Converting from dynamo to alternator was very common in the classic car world. Just be aware that in those days some were positive earth, not the normal negative earth common today so if yours is positive earth & has anything fitted that requires a positive earth you'll have to change that as well. The first car radio I bought - 1971 - had a switch fitted which enableb it to be used with either but anything since has been neg earth only.
Any amount of 'how to' on the net,try a Google "converting from dynamo to alternator". Here's a random one:
http://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/files/2013/08/CLF1...

Edited by paintman on Saturday 6th February 01:04

blueST

Original Poster:

4,378 posts

215 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for the link. Tractor is negative earth, so,no problem there. Need to research very small alternators to find some thing suitably compact.

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

254 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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You'll need to remove or at least bypass the dynamo control box.

Steve_D

13,737 posts

257 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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You'll not get much more compact than this.
http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/compact-ligh...

Steve

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

108 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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paintman said:
Converting from dynamo to alternator was very common in the classic car world. Just be aware that in those days some were positive earth, not the normal negative earth common today so if yours is positive earth & has anything fitted that requires a positive earth you'll have to change that as well. The first car radio I bought - 1971 - had a switch fitted which enableb it to be used with either but anything since has been neg earth only.
Any amount of 'how to' on the net,try a Google "converting from dynamo to alternator". Here's a random one:
http://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/files/2013/08/CLF1...

Edited by paintman on Saturday 6th February 01:04
That Link above does not show the correct way of doing the job, it is a very poor method and not one that is used by any true tradesmen

The heavy brown and yellow wire that originaly connected to the D Terminal on the Dynamo should be discarded, a suitable gauge wire should be used for the power supply to the Alternator and it is the Alternator Maximum output that defines that gauge of wire

Keep well away from that link unless you wish to burn out your tractor

paintman

7,669 posts

189 months

Saturday 6th February 2016
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I'm presuming that you are a fully qualified auto electrician, so perhaps a complete 'how to' could be forthcoming?

Penelope Stopit

11,209 posts

108 months

Sunday 7th February 2016
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paintman

7,669 posts

189 months

Sunday 7th February 2016
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I started driving in 1971 & the majority of cars my friends & I were able to afford were fitted with dynamos. Changing to alternators was a fairly common mod & I was involved with a few, but the last was a long time ago! Worked & we didn't set any on fire or melt the wiring.
Thank you for the diagram, I'm sure the OP will find it most helpful.

Penelope Stopit said: