generator to alternator, 24 volt

1950 - 1968, M38, M38A1, M170, modifications, sugestions, and ideas, official MWO's and unofficial field mods.
grant j
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generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by grant j » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:09 am

Has anyone done this conversion of the 24 volt generator to a 24/28 volt alternator? And with a newer modern alt, not the M151 alt.? just wondering about which brand and model number? and a mounting bracket and the double pulley fit..thanks for any help..grant
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Post by Cuz » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:50 am

I've run the Ford aircraft 28 volt alternator on an A1. There are several dozen models to chose from and any mount adapter used for a comparable 12 volt conversion will work on the same base group alternators. Prestolite, Motorola, Delco all produced many 24 volt alternators. You will need to decide which one you want, weather internal or external regulator and then determine 2 groove pulley availability for that alternator's shaft size. Any competent automotive electrical overhauler can walk you through the choices. Many commercial and public service vehicles use the 24/28 volt systems.

With the skyrocketing cost of original m series 60 and 100 amp alternator systems and a real lack of warranty by the vendors it is only a matter of time before those that want to keep the 24 volt electrics switch to a more modern and better stocked and better warranteed units.
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alternator

Post by grant j » Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:55 am

Yes I'm going for a alternator conversion. the price of replacing my generator and/or parts and shop labour makes it worthwhile and repair friendly for the future. I will take pictures and describe what was done on my M38 once this done.......grant
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Post by Cuz » Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:45 am

In the 1960's Kaiser actually added a modern alternator 24 volt system to it's military CJ5 program. The M606A3 came from Kaiser with a standard 12 volt vehicle system using a 35 amp generator/regulator and an under hood 12 volt battery. It then added a 24 volt Motorola alternator on the left side of the engine and two 2HN 12 volt military batteries to the cowl battery box. This added system was to support a military radio set.

Image

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by modified » Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:59 am

hmm, I've been mulling over the idea of using a dual voltage 14/28VDC reg mounted Neihoff unit or comparable that are being used for the hummers. I think the other brand is Leece Neville. I thought the concept of utilizing dual voltage would be convenient . these units are 100 and 200 amp units :shock: , has anyone attempted this adaptation? any thoughts or suggestions? thanks tom

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by Glen » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:50 pm

You can easily do it. You can get a Delco 10SI alternator in 24-volt for about $100 or better with alittle searching (I think a model of Caterpillar or tractor uses it). I have seen several on eBay. You need something like this; http://www.psep.biz/store/delco_alternator.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Look at the AHADR0154 model. This is the same style I have been using on 12-volt conversions. The 1 wire models need to be reved up to get them to start charging. You can use this wiring setup I use with a diode to make it kick in on startup. http://news.webshots.com/photo/10535132 ... 1660NfiOPx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Use a modified small block Chevy V8 for the upper bracket and a double belt pulley from a Pontiac V8 match up to your pulleys.
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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by modified » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:17 pm

Glen, might you be able to give us a pic of your setup? :D

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by Glen » Thu Jun 18, 2009 8:34 am

This is my MB install with a wide belt. Sorry for the bad pictures, its the best I can do.....

http://news.webshots.com/photo/10507840 ... 1660uDhRHx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://news.webshots.com/photo/10569354 ... 1660YBBZdT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://news.webshots.com/photo/29776345 ... 1660quwtzQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://news.webshots.com/photo/22056306 ... 1660Kvtazm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://news.webshots.com/photo/27508283 ... 1660IdXbXb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by ktm25089 » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:09 am

Image

24v/60amp truck alternator.Have it for 6 years and no problem.Worth every cent :D

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by Beacher425 » Tue Jun 01, 2010 9:05 am

Could you give more pics and specifics on your setup? what alt are you using? do you use a battery equilizer? Is your alt a single wire setup? Do you have to retain the old voltage regulator or do you remove both the gen and the voltage regulator? I am just getting started witha restoration that has a nonfunctioning gen/reg.

Thanks,
Jeff in SC

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Jun 01, 2010 9:37 am

The GI isssue 60 Amp Alternator as found on the M-35A2 Series and other late M-Series trucks accepts the M-38/M-38A1 Pulley and has the same mounting pattern as the 25 Amp Generators. There is an ample supply of the 60 Amp Conversion Kit harnesses, most of the estatablished surplus truck parts dealers have them. Ther Wiring Kits come with detailed drawing and instructions. It is a "bolt on" conversion using genuine GI parts. Thousands of M-35, M-54, M-151 types had these conversions in the 60's when the 60 Amp Alternators came out. They are efficient and reliable. I may even do it to my M-38A1 should I get in the mood.
Am sure if the M-38A1 stayed in the system 10 years longer, that the conversion would be an approved MWO on the type.
Only thing that detracts from installing alternators on these M-Series trucks is that a vehicle with dead batteries cannot be towed to start as there is no residual magnetism in alternators that allow them to generate current without power from the batteries.
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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by 42GPW » Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:04 am

KTM,
That's what i'm going to do to my mutt. Ive been trying to figure out what to do. I'm going to put in the 24 volt 65 amp. I run enough power on other items and i run my lights when ever i drive so i should be safe. is it correct to the jeep no. But at least i can afford to put in a generator and drive it now. Nos ones are to expensive. Thanks for the help.

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by modified » Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:41 am

armandjones82 wrote:A more interesting site is that you need to see the looks of the generator to car alternator switch in order to see the real deal. But the pictures posted in this thread should be sufficient enough though. I hope that things will work out well after this one.

? :?

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by 42GPW » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:22 am

What about to keep your 24 volt system. Use a 1 wire 12 volt alt. With a dual battery isolator? Should keep your system charged.

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Re: generator to alternator, 24 volt

Post by Cuz » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:33 pm

That would give you two isolated 12 volt batteries and a 12 volt alternator. How did you intend to produce the needed 24 volts for the ignition and electrical system while the engine was running? The system you describe is used when one wants 24 volts to the starter only and then switch back to 12 volts the rest of the time for all other components.
Cuz (AKA Wes K)
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 6? M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D & 47 T3-C


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