[AT] 3020 generator -> alternator

[Dean Vinson]

Oops, Bruce Mahr and Brad Gunnells, I just now noticed your replies also-for
some reason they'd gotten hung up in my spam filter while Bill's and
Stuart's had gone through.   Appreciate the interest and discussion!



And Brad, roger that, I appreciate originality. but it's sure as heck nice
when things just work well.   I did make a point of keeping the original
generator, still bolted to the original generator mounting bracket, so it'd
be easy to put the tractor back in original condition if ever so desired.
But I'm not going to lose even a moment's sleep over using that tractor with
a working alternator.



Dean Vinson

Saint Paris, Ohio





From: AT <at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com> On Behalf Of Dean Vinson
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 7:51 PM
To: 'Antique Tractor Email Discussion Group' <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] 3020 generator -> alternator



Thanks, Bill and Stuart.  Very satisfying project, and I learned a lot.
One mistake I made up front was to think I should use a 1-wire alternator,
since I'd seen them mentioned frequently in any number of websites about
converting generators to alternators.   So in my rush to get started I
bought one before really thinking through how everything would work, only to
belatedly realize it had no capability to make the generator warning "idiot"
light on the 3020 work.    So I got out the credit card again and went and
found a 3-wire version of the same alternator, which is what's now on the
3020.



As for the 1-wire alternator, rather than trying to return it I decided I'll
just put it on the Super M, which likewise has always had a troublesome
regulator/generator but doesn't use an idiot light.    Why spend money for
return shipping, right?   I'm *saving* money by putting this on the Super M,
I keep telling myself.   Of course, there is the little matter of the
ammeter only being good for 20 amps and these alternators cranking out up to
60 or so, and it turns out Precision Tractor Parts sells nice looking
vintage-style IH-labeled 60-amp ammeters.  :)



Dean Vinson

Saint Paris, Ohio

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