Alternator Failure
 

After my generator failed, I've since, gone thru two more alternator fails-- owned the A since 2018. and driven weekly. Don't seem normal -- suggestions I should consider, please

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Make sure everything is well grounded.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

As Jim says. In addition, never EVER run the engine with the battery unhooked for any reason. Disconnecting a battery cable or the output wire from the alternator with the engine running can destroy the alternator rectifier or internal regulator.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

A properly restored original generator will provide many years of trouble-free service. The problem is few people bother to restore them properly. Most just do a patch job or bubba repair. It takes time (I typically spend about 8 hours restoring a long type model A generator. 12-15 hours on a Powerhouse), correct parts, special tools and experience to restore them right. Alternators have several advantages, technology marches on. But reliability is not one of them.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

You might consider going back to a generator.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Good ground plane was already mentioned. The charging circuit through the amp meter should also be tested through and checked for any loose connections.

A lot of hobby vehicles aren't driven enough to maintain a good battery condition and state of charge. A weak battery can cause charging system problems due to the stress on whatever does the charging. A 6-volt system is a minimal function system which makes it vulnerable to problems. This was the main reason for the change to 12-volts in 1956. Folks wanted more and more electrical accessories as they became available and 6-volt systems were already taxed to the limit.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Were the alternators inspected after failure to see what part actually caused them to fail?

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Katy: First was rebuilt/repaired - so later failed again, was told an internal electrical failure. So I bought a second one, couple years later, and this month it failed. Today I directly grounded my second, no change. When I attempt to blow the horn, I do get an ammeter discharge. Now can an alternator repairman determine -- by inspection mine - what caused failure? Thanks

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Possible you have a somewhat severe intermittent short somewhere in your electrical system, causing damage to the charging circuit. This is especially true with alternators. In an unprotected electrical system like a Model A with no fuses or circuit breakers, alternators can become the "default" fuse which bears the load of a short. This can cause internal electronic components in the alternator to "fry". I had this happen in more than one instance with customer cars.

When we have issues with a generator "going bad", we naturally believe a modern alternator will "fix things" and give better reliability. This can certainly be true ................... if the whole of the other circuitry in the car is in equally good condition as that new alternator. Remember, though, that our cars were not designed for alternators, so merely making the upgrade to an alternator may not be the ultimate solution if the rest of the system could be prone to problems.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

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Re: Alternator Failure
 

I prefer original parts like generators, just keep a spare one ready to go. When I was a kid in the late 1960s the Model A Club took a trip to Death Valley CA. Which was a long way from home in a Model A. Somebody lost a generator in the desert on the way there. There were no cell phones back then. They got out the membership book and found a guy living in the desert and they drove to his house. He provided a generator, and the club was on its way gain. Looking back somebody should have had a spare generator for the trip. A couple years later they made the trip to Death Valley again. One of the Model A's hit a wild burro and smashed the radiator back into the fan. You can't carry every part you might need.

I was mechanic for 30-years. It is unusual to lose two rebuilt alternators, even if they are rebuilt. I would look at the wiring and make sure its correct. I've seen rebuilt alternators from stores with only one new brush, and one almost worn out. They were rebuilt just enough to make them charge so they could sell them. It got to the point we were only installing "new" alternators and starters at work. It just wasn't worth it. It was at the phone company, so we had unlimited funds. I still used to take the old ones apart to see what went wrong with them. I would take your alternator a part and take an ohm meter/ voltmeter and diagnose what's wrong with it, or what's wrong with the cars wiring.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Yes, you cannot carry every spare part, especially a spare burro.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

This failure came right after I'd charged batter with my EverStart Battery Charge. That I've used many times on the '31

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Did you charge the battery with the battery cables attached? If so, again without fusing in the system, a surge somewhere in your electrical/wiring system could go strait to the alternator and cause the problem.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Now Neil, I tend to differ with that statement. I have seen just the opposite where guys seemingly have every available area crammed full of every part imaginable just to make a trip across town. :D



With regard to the alternator failure discussion, most are using the GM 10Si Alternator that was last installed by the OEM in the early 1970s. That was over 50 years ago, ...and while these same units are now being manufactured in China, I am not sure what kind of life expectancy one should expect out of these units, but I do know the failure rate on these units is very high because no one supplies good quality replacement parts for them.

As for a little history on these, ...I can remember as a teenage kid that club members were installing these units to replace failing stock generators because no one was manufacturing a replacement armature, nor good quality brushes and coils. Even Cutouts back then sucked. Now 50 years later, all of that is different. Other than supplying power for an electrical system on a Model-A that has an Air Conditioner installed, there honestly is not any valid reason to convert to an alternator, nor use anything other than a 6v battery. If there is one, I would like to hear it.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Did you at any time start the car with dead battery using jumper cables and then allow the alternator to charge the battery?


The information listed here is from the Optima battery site listed below:

Fact: Alternators are not designed to charge dead batteries.

"Jumper cables can be a lifesaver, literally! However, when you use jumper cables to start your vehicle, you are placing a tremendous strain on your vehicle's alternator and battery.

That is why we recommend fully charging deeply discharged batteries with a battery charger as soon as possible.

Idling your car in the driveway or taking a drive around the block will not charge your battery or even keep your battery's voltage properly maintained.

We're not alone in that thinking either. Look at the first installation instruction on this alternator box, which is printed in bold text, for additional emphasis- "CHARGE BATTERY - (12.6 Volts min)

The alternator isn't designed to charge a dead battery. Premature alternator failure can occur and may Void Your Warranty."

See this Optima webpage for additional info:

https://www.optimabatteries.com/expe...dead-batteries

Re: Alternator Failure
 

According to a rebuilder I have gotten parts from the Delco alternator most used for model A conversion is the best alternator ever made— parts are cheap,easy to rebuild and lasts just long enough that the people aren’t pissed off when it needs replacing again.
The one in my chevy truck has been rebuilt 4 times in 40 years.
My model A generator I just had to replace the front bearing after 50 years and I have used it to charge a total dead battery a couple times.
The last time I repaired my Delco alternator I searched through the rebuilders junk bucket and fixed it with used original delco parts— that seems to have cured the repeat failures so far

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Kurt, you nailed it. The current importer of the 10Si who is having these manufactured in China is based in the next town over from us. According to an employee, the defect rate is high. But as you stated above, parts are cheap (quality) and lasts just long enough ...to get past the warranty.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Now you tell me!

Re: Alternator Failure
 

I totally concur with ndnchfregarding keeping the stock 6v generator. If your wiring is in good condition and you properly maintain your engine, the 6v generator works. Adding a solid state voltage regulator and LED lights improves overall electrical performance and reliability another notch.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Is your EverStart battery charger a smart charger ? mean does it protect against reverse charging ?! It is easy to get things crossed up with normal positive ground , this could have damaged the alternator

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Well I'll be darn! Yes, I reversed the clip and the Everstart alerted me>
Darn -- I caused it

Re: Alternator Failure
 

everstart plus

Re: Alternator Failure
 

By disassembling and examining/testing all the components the failure can be isolated and then repaired and/or part(s) replaced. But, what caused it is another story, possibly a poor quality part, possibly an external cause.
As other's have said there may be a problem w/the car's wiring.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

According to the Everstart web site, I caused the problem when I miss-connected the charger.
TKS for everyone's input, going back to my spare Generator

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Now today my Alternator is working-- I did nothing. Does anyone have a clue?

Re: Alternator Failure
 

My alternator began giving me issues with the original size belt. I couldn't get it tight enough so it would only charge under light load (i.e., the belt would start slipping under higher resistance). I ordered a smaller belt and will see if that fixes it.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Mile1291
Actually it's a new belt when it 'failed'. Anyway It waited until I send a spare off for rebuilding before it began to charge again. I'll keep checking.
Thanks

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Sounds like it may be an intermittent connection somewhere.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Well, your not going to believe me, so here goes: When I stand Passengers door, alternator shows a charge. Drivers door, no charging. I checked this 6 times.
I have a 2024 PaceMaker if that's a clue.
I've a video to prove my post, just don't have the skill needed

Re: Alternator Failure
 

You think your pacemaker is interrupting the charge? Or interrupting the ammeter? That is a scary thought!
When I got my pacemaker/defibrillator years ago, they told me refrain from getting too close to magnetic fields or running engines. At first I was afraid to start my Model A! Seriously!! But all was good when I got brave. I did stop electric welding tho on the advice of my electrician (Electrophysiologist) and plumber (Cardiologist).

Re: Alternator Failure
 

I added the info about the pacemaker, just in case. And I'm keeping my video as proof when our club meets. Alls I know is that the Ammeter shows either a charge or neither, depending on the doorway I'm at. I'm along so I don't know where I'm at when it does it's thing. I can/t very well removed my PM

Re: Alternator Failure
 

I'm not supposed to weld with my pacemaker and don't, but the manufacturer's rep that downloads data from it twice a year says that she has welder patients who have continued their livelihood with no apparent bad effects. She didn't advocate it by any means.

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Since I'm not touching my truck to view the ammeter, I don't know what to think -- right now, it's my presents in the door way -- but I enter it to video (for my proof).
Now I do have 4 stents, and two new hips, just last year.
What I need is a close club member to drop by, but that's not going to happen.
I really need someone else to see this

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Parallax?

Re: Alternator Failure
 

It's not an Illusion -- that's a rock group called the Imaganiasions.

It's clear when I'm passengers door and when I blow the horn, the ammeter moves smartly to charge(15), when drivers door it moves to discharge(15)

Re: Alternator Failure
 

Does this phenomenon occur when someone else stands in the passenger door? Or just you?

Re: Alternator Failure
 

I have no one to assist me, so until I do -- I don't have an answer.
I'm hoping a club member will help, we meet tomorrow, but that's 50 miles
North. There's not a whole lot of Model A interests right near