Do you Recognise this 24 volt Alternator

[awemawson]

I'm resurrecting a large generator, the Dorman 6LE engine of which carries a 24 volt vehicle type alternator that has a remote CAV 440A regulator.
It's resisting removal at the moment, but I think that it's toast anyway and I'd like to replace it with one with an integrated regulator

 

[Parm]

Honest question.

Why does a generator need an alternator?

Surely if it makes electricity this can be used instead of the alternator?

Or am I missing something?

 

[piman]

Hello Parm,

yes it could, but probably it's easier (for the diesel generator manufacturer) to get a power unit from the manufacturer complete with alternator than have to add a rectified and controlled power supply to charge the battery?
That's all I can think off?

Alec

 

[Hitch]

To produce low voltage electricity for the starter, fuel solenoid etc I'd imagine.

 

[MCKDAVID]

^^easiest way to think of the engine as a standalone package which has it's own starter motor, battery and starting system. When the engine is running, it will generate electricity via the alternator, not before. Yes you could use that electricty to drive a battery charger and use that to charge the engines starter battery, but simply put why complicate things unnecessarily?

 

[wristpin]

Honest question.

Why does a generator need an alternator?

Surely if it makes electricity this can be used instead of the alternator?

Or am I missing something?

Well, you've got to start the *** thing to make the lectric !!
A Dorman is probably a bit lumpy to crank.

 

[Parm]

Well, you've got to start the *** thing to make the lectric !!

Isn’t that’s what the battery is for?

And once started some sort of charging device to charge battery

 

[awemawson]

Well, you've got to start the *** thing to make the lectric !!
A Dorman is probably a bit lumpy to crank.

It's ONLY 11 litres

But spins up nicely I'm glad to say on a pair of brand new 644 batteries which of course need charging ! Hence the charging alternator. But of course when they are 'stand by' generators you HAVE to use a mains battery charger to keep them charged.

Back to the question

Who recognises that alternator - what make is it - that distinctive pressed plate retained by three screws I suspect is the clue - someone must know !

 

[zzr1200]

Its looks like a lucas 11ac alternator which requires a separate voltage control unit used on Jaguar 420 (certainly) and some late S types possibly, Xj6, also on Aston Marton BDS V8 I believe. The voltage control unit is a Lucas 4TR unit, all the above are 12 volt but it wouldn't surpise me if theres a 24 volt version. For commercial or miltary use ie Land Rovers FFR...

 

[octo0072000]

just have a look at truck alternators scania volvo etc inline 6 engines all 24 volt a Lucas /cav catalogue comes to mind
or a local truck breaker take old one with you for fittings

 

[awemawson]

This is leafy Sussex (not God's County as you are), and 'truck breakers' are more than an endangered species, they're extinct !

 

[octo0072000]

This is leafy Sussex (not God's County as you are), and 'truck breakers' are more than an endangered species, they're extinct !

not quite extinct
https://www.google.com/search?sourc.......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i131j0.A0HXOmWLciY

 

[the snooper]

Isn’t that’s what the battery is for?

And once started some sort of charging device to charge battery

No point in using up any of the generators capacity

 

[slim_boy_fat]

@awemawson Unless those arrows are yours, looks like someone's been 'meddling' with it before?
If it's knackered and due for replacement anyway, can't you just cut it off?

 

[the snooper]

I'm resurrecting a large generator, the Dorman 6LE engine of which carries a 24 volt vehicle type alternator that has a remote CAV 440A regulator.
It's resisting removal at the moment, but I think that it's toast anyway and I'd like to replace it with one with an integrated regulator

View attachment 194613


View attachment 194614

Just look on eBay for one, match the mounting pattern, direction of rotation, voltage and output to match the battery you will be using

 

[awemawson]

The arrows are mine so that when eventually I get it off the engine I know unambiguously which way it is rotated (clockwise looking at the pulley).

But someone HAS been in the before, there is an amazing connection bodge using ty-wraps and a bolt

 

[mtt.tr]

Isn’t that’s what the battery is for?

And once started some sort of charging device to charge battery

Its simpler to do it this way, also these engines often come as a unit and the generator comes as a unit

 

[Parm]

Its simpler to do it this way, also these engines often come as a unit and the generator comes as a unit

 

[slim_boy_fat]

But someone HAS been in the before

He who knew not a lot about it

 

[awemawson]

Problem solved!

I gave up trying to remove the alternator the conventional way, and removed the adaptor bracket with the alternator still on it so I could explain the error of it's ways while on the bench using a bigger hammer.

And guess what - an ID plate where it had been up against the engine. My local auto electric man had a working one on the shelf that had bad bearings, so I relieved him of it and Simply Bearings are providing the replacements in a day or so !