The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 12 volt generator on a 6 volt car???

OK.. I know it is a truck forum and have used the site for not only my truck, but also my 235 powered 57 chevy 210.. I acquired a 49 Pontiac some time ago and just now started work on it. I bought a 6 volt battery and installed it. Everything is original, but I noticed that the generator is 12 volt. At least that is what the metal tag states. I got the car running, but was leery about the generator, so I unhooked it. It appears that the generator was hooked up a long time ago, but I didn't think that it was a good idea. Any thoughts on this? Can you run a 12 volt generator on an otherwise 6 volt car?

not if the generator is actually putting out 12V, it'd fry the battery if the regulator didn't start smoking first, but you might check what the regulator is [and light bulbs], someone may have converted it to 12V previously - the starter will work fine on 12V

Bill

The regulator will have 12V or 6V stamped on it somewhere if its aftermarket, or at least most of them did. If its still a Delco reg. it will have the last few numbers stamped in the mounting base. If you have that give me the numbers and I can tell you if its 6 or 12 volt
Ken

The regulator has a paper tag on it that is illegible. All the lights are 6 volt and the coil is 6 volt. I guess I'm glad I unhooked it before I started it. Its just weird that it was on there and wired up. Now I guess I need to hunt down a 6 volt generator..

According to my 1940-53 Motor Magazine repair manual, the 49-50 Pontiac ran a 30 amp 6 volt generator, Delco part #1102711. The corresponding regulator is a Delco #1118301. A 49-50 Chevrolet generator, same amp capacity, is an 1102710, and the manual lists the same regulator as the Pontiac.

Olds and Cadillac run a 40 amp generator, with a different regulator part number.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry! I saw that Wilson Auto Electric has a cross to the delco 1102711. Their part number is 92-01-3008 and can be purchased through NAPA. It is listed as 6 volt, 30 amp, CW rotation, negative polarity. Their part also crosses to numerous generators. Can I assume that this will work? Or will I need to find the Delco?

The generator doesn't know what name it has- - - - -as long as the specifications are right, it should work. It's not uncommon for a generic rebuilt unit to cross over several OEM applications. No problem with a generator, and usually generic regulators are OK, but beware of "one size fits most" carburetors! It seems that Delco changed numbers for the same basic unit from year to year, possibly as a method of monitoring warranty coverage, slight production run differences, etc.
Jerry

Thanks for the advice! I may end up converting to a 6 volt alternator. Right now I'm troubleshooting the starter. This car has sat for 50 years, so I'm sure a lot of things need attention.

And I know what you mean about carbs. I've fought that battle before!

I believe I could outrun anyone who wanted to GIVE me a 6 volt alternator, and I certainly wouldn't buy one. They're almost all made with proprietary components, they're horrendously expensive, and if one breaks down, you'll have a horrible time getting it fixed. Did I mention they're expensive?
Jerry

Jerry, I have a 6 volt alternator on my 53 and it is a great improvement over the generator. And yes it cost a few bucks and yes it will be fixed, if any any malfunctions by the manufacture. I would highly recommend the alternator over the generator if built correctly!!

If I were you Joe, I'd simply use the one marked 12v as a
core and trade it in for a rebuilt 6v generator since
everything else in the system appears to still be 6v.

And.......what's wrong with a Delco 6v generator???

Been running the totaly stock 6v electrical system on my 1950,
3604 for 10 years now and have never had a problem with it.
Drive it day and night, hot summers and cold winters. The
battery is from Farm & Fleet installed Oct, 2008,
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/160427599
the generator and starter rebuilt at the same time,
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/149240750
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/121070577
a new Regulator was installed, lighting and wire connections
were all cleaned.
The battery is re-charged after start up
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/160427600
within a few miles and the lights
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/138714066
are as bright as they would be with a 12v system.
For my 12v needs I use a 6v to 12v voltage booster cube to
power my tachometer and Sony AM/Fm/CD.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/139692811

So....what's wrong with a Delco 6v generator???

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I'm a witness, Denny's 6 volt starts up just as quick as my 12 volt in my truck.

My experiences are the same as Denny's regarding 6v:
good battery
good heavy cables
good starter
good generator
good voltage regulator
good grounds (my weak point for many of my lights/lamps)

Nonetheless, no problems

Denny,
What is the purpose for the two digital volt meters?
Two different readings on same source?
Is that the discrepancy between the two meters?
Although not much of a difference.

Denny, was doing a comparison of measurements: shade-tree vs full-sun?

New electrical diagnostic terminology.
shade-tree vs full-sun

One meter is HF the other is a Fluke, $19.95 vs $199.95. I
just know there would be someone that would question the
accuracy of the Harbor Freight meter so I used the two for
comparison.

30 millivolts is nothing and could be the difference in leads,
contact area or how good the contact is being made.
So don't loose the point, that the 6v generator will pump up
the battery just hunky dory even if it's a seven year old
cheapo from Farm & Fleet.


Bill....glad to see you back with the pack. It's been so
long that I've had someone to argue with that I thought you
might have fallen off the edge.
Hope your crop is as good this year as ours is in Illinois.
Only problem is, everyone's crop is good.

dg