| Author | Message | ||
| Pat Morse (Paulpat)
Registered Member Username: Paulpat Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 65.175.217.212 Rating: N/A |
Hi, Does anyone know how I can tell if I have a generator or alternator on my 1960 GM PD4104? I would like to convert to neg ground via the FMCA how-to article. I can upload pics if neccessary. Thanks | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 1679 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.82.163 Rating: N/A |
A generator will have a removable band about two inches wide on the rear of the unit. If it has this band, remove it, or slide it back so that you can see inside. If it has carbon brushes and a slotted armature that they ride on, you can be ceertain that it is a generator. Richard | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 83 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.9.111 Rating: N/A |
Good for you Pat, the worst part of changing over for me was dreading doing it. The change over was painless, had to change some gauges and senders. Good luck. Our Generator was long and lean, as opposed to an altenator. The generator did not have a cooling fan either behind the pully if i remember right. | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 1680 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.82.163 Rating: N/A |
I have never seen the changeover information in FMCA, but I recall that there was a selenium rectifier in the wiring panel beside the driver. This is the predecessor of the silicon diode that most are familiar with, and this device needs to be changed. It is probably defective now (open) since these devices tended to fail with age. Most people have not seen one. It is a square device about 1 inch square composed of several plates separated by a small spacer. Probably red in color. As I recall it had something to do with the instruments and should be replaced with a standard diode. Richard | ||
| Austin Davis (Zimtok)
Registered Member Username: Zimtok Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 63.94.78.194 Rating: N/A |
I am interested in doing this changeover also. PLEASE keep a post running on how you are doing this. And where do I find this FMCA information?????? . | ||
| Pat Morse (Paulpat)
Registered Member Username: Paulpat Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 65.175.217.212 Rating: N/A |
Thanks everyone. I've taken a picture of the gen/alt in question. It doesn't have the sliding sleve. On the end it has by one post the letter "F" by another post it has "Relay", and along the top of the end it says "Do Not Ground". I'm uploading a pictue of the item in question as well as the electrical panel. The ground switchover article is part of the 13 part "All About Buses" by Neil Wildeboor written for FMCA. You can get a copy by sending them $2.50. FMCA 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati OH 45244-2796.  | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 151 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.227.115.9 Rating: N/A |
looks like an alt. to me | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 24.127.158.82 Rating: N/A |
Me too! | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 188 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.15 Rating: N/A |
Look at the data plate and google it. If it is the original generator it is huge and weighs about 70-100 lbs. The original gen on the 4104 is direct drive on the RH side of the engine. If it is belt driven it is either a different gen or an alt. If it is an alternator it will charge at slow idle once it has started charging, I don't think the gen will but not certain. I've never seen an original gen except in my 4104 manual. | ||
| jl vickers Unregistered guest Posted From: 71.52.82.62 Rating: N/A |
Easy way to tell the differance on the 4104 if it's a alternator or a generator.Provided if it's still factory. Look in the right rear electrical compartment aft of the right rear wheel well. If it has a large black color voltage regulator about the size of a kid's lunch box it's got a split field generator. If the voltage regulator is a small regulator 4"X6" aprox. 3 small wires going to it it's a 50DN oil cooled alternator. jlv | ||
| Marc Bourget Unregistered guest Posted From: 64.142.42.176 Rating: N/A |
Look in the archives, I've posted the procedure taken from both Wildebor and another resource. I have it in a file in case it's gone! Marc Bourget | ||
| Jason Whitaker (Jeepme)
Registered Member Username: Jeepme Post Number: 39 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 216.17.175.162 Rating: N/A |
I have the same alt. Does anyone have a source for the alternator diodes that need to be replaced? Jason Whitaker 4104 | ||
| Gene Lewis (Genelewis)
Registered Member Username: Genelewis Post Number: 48 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 24.181.246.226 Rating: |
Check with Rob (Gary's nephew - now running Dean's Coach since Gary passing) at Dean's Coach in Durham, NC. Dean's Coach ~ 3815 Dove Creek Rd ~ Durham, NC 27715 ~~ 919-383-4780 Watch for their new web site - www.deanscoachinc.com - suppost to be up and going this week. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 192 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.33 Rating: N/A |
jl, My 4104 has had the gen replaced by a small alternator but the monster gen reg was left in the elect comp and just wired around. Someday I'm going to take it out and use it for a boat anchor! |
