Who told you about generator reliability? Many friend have good intentions, but "old wives tales" knowledge. Is he an autoelectric professional who regularily works on automobile generators? If not, then I would rely on the advice that you receive from this forum.
A number of Stovebolters including "Hot Rod Lincoln" (Engine builder and former automotive instructor) and "Kennethw" (owner of classicgenerator.com), plus GM documents educated me when I needed help with my generator.
RELIABILITY:
A bad alternator will leave you stranded just as fast as a bad generator.
FLASHING A GENERATOR:
A generator should be flashed when it is installed into the charging circuit - either a new generator or one that was removed for repair. Only needs to be done once. No big deal. From the 1954 Truck Shop Manual (same info for all years and voltages of generators in our trucks):
"... after installing a new or rebuilt generator ... connect a jumper lead momentarily between the Armature and Battery terminals of the regulator ... before the engine is started. This allows a monentary surge of current to flow through the generator which correctly polarizes it."
> bold print, step #2, top of pageKen Warner at
ClassicGenerator.com built a 12v generator in a Chevrolet 6v case for my '54 3104 and matched it to a new voltage regulator. It looks exactly like an original 6v gen. Works great day or night. I never worry about being stranded because of the generator.
> GeneratorEDIT: Sorry Wrenchbender Ret. I see that you also said that an alternator is more reliable. I value your experience and knowledge and I have often relied on it. However, I am confident with the reliability of my generator.- Lonnie
