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Model A/B engine generator replacement

Your old Chris-Craft electrical system can be a challenge. If it runs on "juice" pose your questions and offer your advice here.

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54 Skiff
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Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by 54 Skiff » Mon Jun 27, 2016 11:38 am

Hello all:

I'm new to all of this and am curious about replacing the generator belt on my 4 cylinder model a engine. I would like to upgrade to a 12 volt system but looking at the generator and belt I have no idea how to get the belt on and off. Unlike cars where the alternator was on an adjustable bracket the generator bolts into place. Is it just a matter of stretching the belt?

Thanks in advance.

Len

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drrot
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by drrot » Mon Jun 27, 2016 6:24 pm

You have to remove either the flywheel or starter to get the belt off/on on most Chris-Craft engines. Here is a photo of the mount with the adjusting slot shown on the right.
AB motor mount.jpg
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

54 Skiff
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by 54 Skiff » Mon Jun 27, 2016 7:12 pm

Thank you for taking the time to answer. I see the adjustment slot in your photo. It makes sense and looks a lot easier to swap out the generator for a new one. Thanks again...

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tuobanur
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by tuobanur » Tue Jun 28, 2016 8:18 am

drrot wrote:You have to remove either the flywheel or starter to get the belt off/on on most Chris-Craft engines. Here is a photo of the mount with the adjusting slot shown on the right.
AB motor mount.jpg
Jim, you did mean starter or generator, right?
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"

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drrot
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by drrot » Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:11 pm

Nope.
Look at the photo. No way to get it between the flywheel and starter.
generator belt.jpg
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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tuobanur
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by tuobanur » Wed Jun 29, 2016 8:11 am

Gotcha, guess they are all a little different.
Terry
1941 Model 101 (16') Deluxe Runabout "Miss Dot"

Theurkauf
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by Theurkauf » Sun Jul 03, 2016 5:08 am

On my Model B, the belt was not long enough to fit around the fly wheel alone. No option but to remove it, but that is not a big deal (4 bolts).

I know this has been discussed 1000 times, but I will put in my pitch for sticking with original 6V. I really wanted to keep my boat as "original" as possible, but this is completely subjective. What isn't in doubt is that a 12V system will spin the engine faster and start easier. But it seems to me that this only makes a significant difference for an engine that is not well sorted/tuned. In 5 seasons with the original 6V system, when all is well, my B fires on the first push of the starter button. If it doesn't, something is not right. Timing off, fuel flow issue, etc. Genearally a minor tweak, but I really like the quick engine check every time I start. Finding a 6V bilge pump can also be hard, but I run a standard 12 volt pump using a 6 to 12 Volt converter. Now in year 5 with this as well, with no problems.

54 Skiff
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by 54 Skiff » Sun Jul 03, 2016 7:26 am

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I too like the thought of keeping it original but you did nail my concern. My current bilge pump is on its last legs and I can't find a 6v replacement. I didn't even know converters existed. I will look into that.

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Don Vogt
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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by Don Vogt » Sun Jul 03, 2016 8:10 am

thanks, therukauf for the info. the need to convert from a 6v because of difficulty finding a bilge pump has come up a lot before, so it might be helpful to post the info on your converter.

on the point about starting difficulty, I have found the following as a fool proof way to start my 6v KA when cold, and wonder what others do? No gas, full choke, crank until fires. then no choke, moderate gas and it starts right up like a charm every time.
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by Bob B » Sun Jul 03, 2016 12:44 pm

1948 K, cold start: some throttle, full choke, crank 'til fires which usually is fairly quick and on firing immediately no choke and adjust throttle. Works for me with very rare exception.

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Re: Model A/B engine generator replacement

Post by Theurkauf » Wed Jul 06, 2016 4:48 am

To follow up on the 6V to 12V converters. They are marketed to vintage car owners who want to run modern 12 V accessories. I picked mine up on e bay for around $60. It's rated for 5 amps, and my 500 gph pump is 3.5 amp, with suggested 5 amp fuse. It works fine. I did try the pump on 6 volts, and it runs but is sluggish. I suspect would have a short life, and definitely not 500 gph.

Bill

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