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altenator vs. generator

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jeezum-Crow, Aug 7, 2007.

  1. Aug 7, 2007
    Jeezum-Crow

    Jeezum-Crow New Member

    North Haverhill,...
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2006
    Messages:
    18
    I've got a newly rebuilt and working 12v generator on my 55-ish cj5 and was wondering what the benefits would be if I were to switch to an altenator.
     
    Jeezum-Crow, Aug 7, 2007
    #1
  2. Aug 7, 2007
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Faster charge time than a generator, less weight and smaller size. You can get an alternator that has an internal voltage regulaor, this will help simplify your wiring and eliminate something from the firewall along with the wiring. Oh and if it fails it can be gotten at virtually any auto parts place, generators cost more and are way harder to come by.
     
    Mcruff, Aug 7, 2007
    #2
  3. Aug 7, 2007
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,390
    Do you have an electric winch, or extra lights that would require more power? If you don't have anything that would draw more current than the generator can put out then I'd stick with the generator. The difference with a generator is that at idle they don't charge.
     
    Glenn, Aug 7, 2007
    #3
  4. Aug 7, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,135
    Gennys are limited to an output of 35 amps & you have to be somewheres above idle speed to get.

    So, what do you get for your 35 amps?

    Stock Lights- ~11 amps

    Ignition- ~ 5 amps

    Heater- ~ 5 amps

    Wipers- ~ 2 amps

    Total- Lets call it 25 amps

    That leaves 10 amps or ~140 watts to play with, if you have more than current load than that it's time to move to an alternator.

    However, your basic alternator has a current output limited to- Wait For It-

    35 amps.

    If you need to go to an alternator make sure you get a 60 or even :)eek:) 100 amp model.

    YMMV, but will certainly go down.

    H.:)
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 7, 2007
    #4
  5. Aug 7, 2007
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    unless you have a fully correct restored jeep, I would run an Alt.


    However I recall reading a hotrod mag that showed a gen case with a alt inside.
     
    66cj5, Aug 7, 2007
    #5
  6. Aug 7, 2007
    Jeezum-Crow

    Jeezum-Crow New Member

    North Haverhill,...
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2006
    Messages:
    18
    Thanks for the input guy's. I think I'll just wait til the genny craps out then do an alt conversion. Thanks again.
     
    Jeezum-Crow, Aug 7, 2007
    #6
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