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Thread: Disadvantages of a Generator

  1. #1
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    Disadvantages of a Generator

    My series 1 is still running a generator but has been converted to negative earth. The charging system seems to be working fine and the engine will run fine without the battery.

    For a car of its vintage that is not going to have to support high electrical loads what are the disadvantages of staying with the generator over converting to an alternator.

    Thanks

    Garry
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  2. #2
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    I had a Series 2 with a generator.
    It proved to be a real pain when out shooting,the battery will not recieve the full charge at trundle around the paddock speeds.
    By the end of the nite the spotlight got quite dim and you didnt dare stall the old beast as a push start was needed.
    I fitted an alternator and all was well.
    Andrew
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  3. #3
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    keep it original

  4. #4
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    no real disadvantage if you have a good battery, If you consistantly trundle around simply change the pully for a better ratio...

    the biggest one i know of is the requirement to clean the armature contacts more often than you do an alternator.
    Dave

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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by LandyAndy View Post
    I had a Series 2 with a generator.
    It proved to be a real pain when out shooting,the battery will not recieve the full charge at trundle around the paddock speeds.
    By the end of the nite the spotlight got quite dim and you didnt dare stall the old beast as a push start was needed.
    I fitted an alternator and all was well.
    Andrew
    But even when the battery is flat, you can still push start a car with a generator but not one with alternator as battery power is needed to energise the coils in the alternator. At least a generator does not need this and will generate enough power to start an engine when pushed start.

    I do however know what u mean with high power needs with low engine speed.

    Garry
    REMLR 243

    2007 Range Rover Sport TDV6
    1977 FC 101
    1976 Jaguar XJ12C
    1973 Haflinger AP700
    1971 Jaguar V12 E-Type Series 3 Roadster
    1957 Series 1 88"
    1957 Series 1 88" Station Wagon

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by garrycol View Post
    But even when the battery is flat, you can still push start a car with a generator but not one with alternator as battery power is needed to energise the coils in the alternator. At least a generator does not need this and will generate enough power to start an engine when pushed start.

    I do however know what u mean with high power needs with low engine speed.

    Garry
    ? I've push started alternator equipt cars on multiple occasions due to dead batteries...??

  7. #7
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    nahh, the battery would have had at least 3-4 volts left in it which is just enoug h to fire the coil and excite the alternator...

    simulate a dead flat battery, remove the earth lead and see which on you can get to start.
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
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  8. #8
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    Mine will push start with a dead battery and it's got an alternator

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blknight.aus View Post
    nahh, the battery would have had at least 3-4 volts left in it which is just enoug h to fire the coil and excite the alternator...

    simulate a dead flat battery, remove the earth lead and see which on you can get to start.
    is it really posible to get less than 3-4 volts coming out of a battery? even with a failed cell I would think it will typically have this amount available. Of course with no battery present at all, I get the point that a generator based vehicle can do it, but if there is a battery and I was in that situation I'd be digging out a wiper motor and charging up the battery with that jury rigged somehow

  10. #10
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    I have had a couple of occasions when I have left things on and the battery has gone completely dead where I have not been able to push start a car with an alternator - the first time was actually with a BMW bike.

    If there is not enough energy in the battery to excite the alternator coils then when you push start the alternator will not push out any power to provide power to the electrics in a petrol engine - an old diesel is different.

    Gazzz
    REMLR 243

    2007 Range Rover Sport TDV6
    1977 FC 101
    1976 Jaguar XJ12C
    1973 Haflinger AP700
    1971 Jaguar V12 E-Type Series 3 Roadster
    1957 Series 1 88"
    1957 Series 1 88" Station Wagon

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