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generator to alternator conversion
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SuperNova
New User
Jul 26, 2006, 10:40 PM
Post #1 of 4
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generator to alternator conversion
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I'm sure this question has been answered several times, but, I'll ask again....
My dad and I are trying to change a 1960 vintage John Deere tractor from old school to new. We were told that all we have to do to install the new alternator is to run a wire from the the battery (or starter) to the alternator (which has only one post). The tractor was a positive ground system to begin with, so we just flopped cables on the battery. Is this all we have to do? What happens to the old voltage regulator? I understand that the new alternator has a built in regulator but there were four wires attached to it that, in my opinion, should do something. And how about the old "GEN" light? Will it still work or will we have to get a different gauge to see if the new alternator is working?
Thanks for any input......
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 26, 2006, 11:49 PM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: generator to alternator conversion
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Sorry for replying with no definate answer but I own a 1948 Model M John Deere with positive ground and a generator NOT alternator. Problem is which way the starter drive works?? It will freewheel one way and catch the other and that could be a problem so I left mine alone as originally made and suggest that. An alternator shouldn't care which way it turns but don't quote me on that. Positive ground ended in 1957 for cars and so did the 6V stuff that mine has.
Again -- I'd leave it original and if you need the generator rebuilt they are easy or send it out. JOHN DEERE of Moline, IL is my favorite machinery and company and they will sell any part to any equipment they ever made if they have it on any file.
Hit back and I might be able to hook you up with a total John Deere freak who does customize them for tractor pulls and that stuff, T
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SuperNova
New User
Jul 27, 2006, 12:05 AM
Post #3 of 4
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Re: generator to alternator conversion
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Thanks for the input.... However, my dad and I already installed the alternator and started the motor. It started and ran fine. The only thing is, we don't know if the alternator is working. We haven't hooked up a voltmeter to test it yet. I do know that the "GEN" and "OIL" lights get power from the old voltage regulator..... I just don't know how to remove the old regulator and still send power to those indicators. It may not be possible..? I'm not convinced that doing the little we did is going to be enough to make the change complete, otherwise it would be a nonissue for everyone... Car or tractor shouldn't matter!!!
(This post was edited by SuperNova on Jul 27, 2006, 12:06 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 27, 2006, 9:04 AM
Post #4 of 4
(4277 views)
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Re: generator to alternator conversion
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Ok -- Some guessing here. Get the volt output reading and just after that just see if you get a gen or oil pressure light with ignition on and engine off - you should. Mine just has one gauge for high and low charge selection and the oil pressure is just a screw in gauge non electric place in view of operator. I don't recall whether you switched polarity. That will make some things work backwards. If the new alternator has an internal regulator you shouldn't need the original but it might be ok to just leave it. The voltage while running will tell.
You may want to just put in a switch from a car engine and a volt gauge or just a light. Engine should be a Kohler which was probably made to spec from a GM engine for John Deere. Maybe not but they did do stuff like that which is neat to know as you could get some parts for a car for it if dealer is not handy. I have a place that will get me OE parts paid by phone and CC and they show up the next day UPS.
Keep at it and let us know, T
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