The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Using a 12 volt generator with a 6 volt regulator?

If this has already been discussed, feel free to let me know...

I have been working on my 1950 Chevrolet 4100, which seems to have been maintained very well. When I first bought the truck, it had a 8 volt battery. I bought a new 6 volt, and moved forward with the build. Today, while wrenching under the hood, I noticed that the generator has a 12 volt AC tag, instead of 6 volt. I never thought to look at it, since the truck runs & drives fine.

The main question... is it possible to use a 12 volt generator and regulate it to 6 volts effectively?

I am trying to make sense of the previous owner's "reasoning" with this one. I have read that one of the problems with generators is their lack of battery recharge in the lower rpms, so would using a 12 volt generator, regulated to operate within a 6 volt system, generate enough amperage to charge the battery more effectively in the lower rpms?

Thanks in advance.

The previous owner was trying to resolve a problem of his own creation (buying the 8 volt battery) by creating yet another problem, installing the 12 volt generator. It takes a voltage of 9.5 volts to keep an 8 volt battery charged, so maybe he thought a 12 volt could be adjusted down to a suitable voltage. More likely, the 6V generator would not keep the battery charged, so he installed the 12V setup and really overcharged the battery. I'd suggest going back to the correct system (6V) and adjust the voltage against a fully-charged battery to 7.5 like it's supposed to be. Untold millions of 6 volt charging systems worked right for a lot of years. There's no reason to try to outsmart the engineers who designed the system with Rube Goldberg "fixes".
Jerry

Thanks Hotrod Lincoln.

So is it possible to properly regulate the 12 volt generator with the regulator set to max out at 7.5 volts? I am fine with replacing the generator if needed, but I am also trying to understand.

I think you would encounter some serious problems with trying to use the 12 volt field coils and armature with a 6V regulator. Where are you in Tennessee? I've got several 6V generators on hand, and I'd be happy to work out some sort of swap with you and help set the regulator correctly. I've been doing this auto electrical stuff for 50+ years, and teaching it in high schools and trade schools for over 30.
Jerry

I am in Paris. I really appreciate the help! I would definitely be interested in working something out. Sending you PM

is it possible to use a 12 volt generator and regulate it to 6 volts effectively?

The short answer is yes it can be done. Since it is shunt wound just dial down voltage to shunt field.

To get practical about the whole thing do not bother. Go back to the 6 volt installation if you have the factory desigated engine.

Dan Bentler

Ok, thanks Dan.