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Farmall & IHC Tractors Discussion Forum
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generator vs alternator, which more troublefree?

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aaron

02-20-2004 14:23:04




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Hey,
Trying to bring a Farmall H back to life. Has sat for 15 years. Has the generator on it for 6 volt system. I will be putting the pistons back in next weekend so I am trying to plan out how I will wire the up that bad boy. Last M I had came to me broken. So I simply rebuilt the engine and installed a 12 volt system. Ran the headlights like a champ and the battery charged just great.

Since I am short on cash and really can't afford to buy an alternator and 12 V coil and resistor I am thinking about trying to use this 6 Volt generator. Do they power the tractor lights worth a darn? Or is it a soft yellow light that is pretty worthless? Thanks,
Aaron

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lee

02-20-2004 19:40:55




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
A generator doesn't make much output even if it's in good working order. 6 Volt gen on a Farmall A makes maybe 7 volts and 15 to 20 amps charging current on a good day. Output is low at low RPM, it's got brushes running on a commutator so there is brush wear to deal with. An alt makes more output and at low RPM. If it's a field wound rotor it has brushes and slip rings but these wear less than gen brushes. If it's a permanent magnent rotor it has no brushes to wear.

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Tom W

02-20-2004 16:51:22




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
Auto Zone has a rebuilt GM Alt. for about $30/ Got one on our M and it works fine. If you put a 2 inch pully on it, it will work better.



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RayP(MI)

02-20-2004 16:02:33




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
An alternator is by far more dependable. If you can find a back-yard rebuilder, or check with a car salvage yard, the older Delco can be found for a few $. Check further on this board for an excellent group of articles telling how to install on your particular tractor. A diode, or clearance bulb, ignition resistor, and 12volt bulbs, and you're in business.



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rustyfarmall

02-20-2004 15:30:10




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
A six volt system will power up the headlights just fine, be sure you are using the correct bulbs, and make sure the reflectors are nice and shiny like a mirror, and also that the lenses are clean inside and out. I just finished rebuilding a pair of six volt lights for my H. It is amazing how bright they are.



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Bus Driver

02-20-2004 16:14:30




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 Re: Re: generator vs alternator, which more troub in reply to rustyfarmall, 02-20-2004 15:30:10  
rusty, if you resilvered the reflectors yourself, it would be a great kindness to many of us if you posted the process you used. Thanks.



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Peabody

02-20-2004 20:40:28




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 Re: Re: Re: generator vs alternator, which more t in reply to Bus Driver, 02-20-2004 16:14:30  
I used some Rustoleum silver spray paint on one of my dulled reflectors and was shocked at the difference it made. Had to do the other one that I thought wasn't so bad to make it match the newly-painted one!



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rustyfarmall

02-20-2004 18:56:46




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 Re: Re: Re: generator vs alternator, which more t in reply to Bus Driver, 02-20-2004 16:14:30  
I am still looking for info on that myself, didn't mean to mislead anyone. The headlights that I rebuilt were just extremely dirty, windex and double 0 steel wool did a pretty good job of putting a shine back on. Not like new, but plenty good enough.
I also have a few headlights that I am sure this method will not work on, they are too far gone.



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BIG JOHN

02-20-2004 19:06:08




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: generator vs alternator, which mo in reply to rustyfarmall, 02-20-2004 18:56:46  
Just redid a rear light today. Sanded down the crud and then used a Medalic Chrome paint. I've done this several times and it works great.



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Jeff

02-22-2004 00:08:12




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: generator vs alternator, whic in reply to BIG JOHN, 02-20-2004 19:06:08  
Guys if you want a real shine they need to be resilvered. Check out a good old car mag at the news stand or an old car nut buddy. Silver is THE best thing you can do. BIG DIFFERENCE in how much light! Jeff



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old

02-20-2004 14:57:44




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
Well just think about what is on cars, trucks and even tractors now day they all have alternators. Why because they just plane work better and last longer with little or no care



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DON

02-20-2004 14:46:40




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 Re: generator vs alternator, which more troublefr in reply to aaron, 02-20-2004 14:23:04  
Like magnetos generators have lots of fans on this site but in my opinion alternator is much more trouble free. I was around when generators were not only on tractors but also on trucks and cars and generator problems were common.



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