Generator vs. alternator

cheesehead · Post by **cheesehead** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:06 pm

I searched and didn’t find that this topic has been discussed before. If you had a choice; stay with a generator w/external regulator or change to an alternator w/internal regulator which would you choose and why? With the cost of a new alternator stand in the equation for a 1973 standard beetle. My choice would be the generator but want to make sure there are no overwhelming reasons why not to….It seems sooo many people do the switch hmmmm
Peace
Meg

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:15 pm

Generator only charges at higher rpms, alternator does it continuously.
I like to keep the whatever stock part came in my bus originally but there really doesn't seem to be a law. I'm perfectly happy with my generator in my '69 bus, never have had an issue nor reason to upgrade and change the generator tower etc.
I did replace a 6v generator once with a wrecking yard alternator and stand, worked just fine. Anything is better than 6volts...
My opinion: keep whatever you have, it works fine. It will last years and years.

ruckman101 · Post by **ruckman101** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 7:36 pm

I think I would consider an alternator, if I were going to be running a massive thumping overly amped sound system, disco ball, etc., but I'm not, so I'll stick with the generator.

neal

spiffy · Post by **spiffy** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:02 pm

I got an alternator because my bus happened to have a 6 volt genny slapped on it when we got it. I went for the alternator for more better charging

A couple things to consider:

The alternator requires a new stand that will usually be aftermarket and not have the german markings (which I think are cool).

The nut that holds the oil breather/filler on the stand can be impossible to get off without the right tool.

cheesehead · Post by **cheesehead** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:41 am

I hear no reason one should change so I am going to stay with the generator for now:)
Thanks for all the good thoughts.

dtrumbo · Post by **dtrumbo** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:11 am

I'm offering this as a question, not as a statement of fact.

If you drive your Volkswagen like you're supposed to (higher RPM's to keep the cooling fan at the optimum speed), the generator will charge the battery just fine.

Is this a true statement?

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:30 am

Yes. It was designed to charge during daily driving too. People are way too hard on the poor generator. It's a good contraption.

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Generator vs. alternator

Generator vs. alternator