Page 1 of 1

1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 8:26 pm
by Markhondru
Just bought my first antique boat: 1939 cc Barrelback and had it restored. First ride was Saturday and the battery has been dying almost everyday since and needs recharged. We replaced the starter as it was bad and thought that would do the trick. The generator should be charging the battery while running but my guess is that it is not. Any suggestions? Should I do away with the outdated generator system and go to a single wire alternator to ensure battery power? Thank you, Mark

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 9:28 pm
by Don Vogt
mark, if your gauges are correct they should show whether the generator is charging the battery. there is a cut off switch, so if you are merely idling along, the battery wont be charging. If you have a good battery, the generator is working properly, and you dont have any electrical drains somewhere, there is no need to go to the alternator.

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:24 am
by mfine
There is a regulator that will cut off power below a set voltage so the battery doesn’t back power the generator. Once you are at a high enough RPM it should allow power through to charge the battery. This part may need adjusting or replacing. Or it could be the generator or the battery. You can trouble shoot with a simple volt meter while someone else drives.

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 7:25 am
by maritimeclassics
It sounds like the best thing to do is remove the generator and take it to a good starter generator repair shop and have it tested. They can tell you whether it is working correctly and if not rebuild it for you.

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 9:19 am
by mbigpops
Mark,

I had a similar issue even after having my generator checked and it turned out to be the cutoff relay. If you have the one with the metal cover take the cover off and look at the internals. Mine was so corroded that the plates would not make contact any more. After a good cleaning it works great now. Like was previously mentioned your ammeter should jump positive above a certain RPM which tells you that the battery is being charged.

Mark

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:29 am
by Markhondru
Thank you all. Much appreciated and very helpful.

Re: 1965 283 Chevy engine: Generator vs. alternator

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:34 am
by Don Vogt
You're welcome. How about some pictures of your boat? thx.