The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6 volt alternator

Has anyone by chance purchased one of the 6 volt alternators from JC WHITNEY? If so, any positive or negative results?

thanks, Ken

There are two kinds of 6 volt alternators, the converted 12 volt alternator and the built from scratch 6 volt alternator. In the first example the 12 volt regulator is removed and replaced with a 6 volt regulator. As we all know by now, when you reduce the voltage output, the amperage output is also reduced. Thus what started out life as a 60 amp 12 volt alternator ends up being a 30 amp 6 volt alternator. Keep in mind that the 30 amp rating only accurs when you are traveling down the highway and not at engine idle. At engine idle the output will likely be about 15 amps.

In the built from scratch 6 volt alternator special wound rotors and stators are used and the alternator is built from scratch as a 6 volt alternator. The result is 30 amps at idle and 60 amps at highway speeds. As you might suspect this type of alternator costs more than the converted 12 volt alternator, but as the old saying goes you get what you pay for...

Randy

A more reliable source than JCW is http://www.alternatorparts.com , they tell you which they are giving you and they offer both negative and positive ground alternators in the 30 amp and 60 amp varieties.
I made my own 6 volt alternator using a self-exciting conversion regulator and I am quite happy with it. I used a Delco 10si and exchanged the pulley with the one on my generator. I mounted it by flipping the generator brackets around and it lined up perfectly on my 216.

The 6v alternator from JCWhitney states that it is a 60 amp alternator. I purchased one and will let you know how it works out. Thanks for the info on turning the generator mounting brackets around.

Ken