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Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:14 pm

This may be a dumb question, but, how can you tell the difference between an alternator or generator. The pictures I've seen they kinda look the same.

Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:41 pm

The alternator has one big wire bolted to it, which goes right to the battery or the starter. The generator has two wires side by side going to the voltage regulator. The ground wire from the dashboard indicator light goes to the voltage regulator on a generator-equipped car and to a push-on connector on the alternator.

A generator will spin like an electric motor if you hook it to a power source; an alternator has no brushes.

The alternator is not cylindrical like the generator; you have to change the stand because an alternator will not lie flat on a generator stand.

Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:00 pm

An alternator is larger nearest the fan belt than it is at the fan housing. The generator is the same diameter front to back.

Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:05 pm

To me, there is a big difference between a generator (top item) and an alternator (2nd from the bottom is common in alterantor kits.)

Fri Aug 02, 2013 6:48 pm

Evidently I have a generator, is there anything special I should get wary of? Never owned a car with a generator before. The engine I a 74 1600 dp, did they come stock with a generator? [/code]

Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:40 pm

Nothing wrong with running a generator, have served me fine for over 40 years on mine.

Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:46 pm

An alternator is superior for the longevity of your entire electrical system...battery,bulbs,relays,horn,points you name it last longer with constant stable current..

Fri Aug 02, 2013 7:51 pm

I agree with Cusser. I've never seen the point to getting an alternator. I've had 4 bugs and I never lost a generator.

Fri Aug 02, 2013 8:14 pm

I have also always run generators. Just replace thevoltage regulator every 2 or 3 years, and the brushes when they wear down. My one switch to modernity? I found a solid state voltage regulator in a box of parts I picked up a few months ago, and decided to give it a try when the regulator in the buggy started to fluctuate earlier this year. It is working fine.

Fri Aug 02, 2013 11:02 pm

I've got an alternator on my Baja and a generator on my 73 super. The super doesn't have any audio stuff going on, pretty much all stock as far as electrics go. But my Baja bug has a pretty demanding sound system and lights. I have a Bosch 55 amp internally regulated alternator.

Personally I prefer alternators, easier hook up (literally 2 wires) and cleaner look, and more charging power.

Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:03 am

alternators put out more voltage at idle,generators need to rev up a bit...alternators tended to have rear bearing issues while generators were stronger

Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:27 am

volksworld wrote: alternators put out more voltage at idle,generators need to rev up a bit...alternators tended to have rear bearing issues while generators were stronger

Alternator AC (it uses diodes to convert to DC) isn't affected by rpm,generator DC is.This 'droop' (current deviation) from a generator based electrical system is what shortens component life, its really bad for electronics...this is why manufacturers went away from generators.

Sat Aug 03, 2013 6:35 am

If the generator is working, don't mess with success. If it was bad, then maybe worth thinkin' about. Don't make problems, there are enough of those in this world already.

Sun Aug 04, 2013 4:56 pm

Well my generator has two wires on it. The picture on top looks like the one I have, but everyone says its only supposed to have one wire. It really doest matter, I was just curious in case I need to order parts, or if there is special procedures to follow for maintenance.

Sun Aug 04, 2013 4:57 pm

Well my generator has two wires on it. The picture on top looks like the one I have, but everyone says its only supposed to have one wire. It really doest matter, I was just curious in case I need to order parts, or if there is special procedures to follow for maintenance.

Mon Aug 05, 2013 2:09 am

bandmhe1 wrote: Well my generator has two wires on it. The picture on top looks like the one I have, but everyone says its only supposed to have one wire. It really doest matter, I was just curious in case I need to order parts, or if there is special procedures to follow for maintenance.

Well everyone doesn't know what they are talking about then :lol:

Its not possible to have a single wire gen or alt, the gen needs both a field wire and an output wire and the 70s gens also have a ground wire between it and the reg.
An alt also has minimum 2 wires (output and warning light).

AFAIK the brushes didnt change on 12 volt 30 amp gens but double check that.

Mon Aug 05, 2013 11:12 am

I think there is a 1 year Alt that has more wires and an external VR

Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:37 pm

I've got a feeling this car has been cobbled together from a bunch of cars, looks pretty good though. I just wanted to know what I was dealing with as far as ordering parts goes.

Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:21 am

[email protected] wrote: I think there is a 1 year Alt that has more wires and an external VR

Yep, that is the Motorola Alternator. I want to say 73 bug but I might be off...

Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:39 am

My 68 has the original generator still on the original 1500 single port, the previous owner was the original owner and kept the car up. He said the only thing he ever done to the generator was replace the brushes once and that was it. I replaced the original voltage regulator when I had an electrical problem, solved it real quick. As far as which is best, I'd say the benefits of running a generator out weighs any benefits of an alternator. with a generator - dead or no battery, push start it, you can't do this with an alternator since it requires power to create the power needed to run on. I've never had a problem with the generator since I've owned the car, no power loss even with lights, radio, and wipers on. So I'd say if it came with a generator, keep it.