1600 charging system

[Oliver1600]

Has anyone switched a 1600 diesel from a generator to an alternator charging system?
If someone has, would you please describe if you
had to do anything different with the wiring and
were you able to use the mounting brackets that were available or did you have to do something different. I have read some of the post from previous readers but they are not clear or deal with other brands of tractors.
Any help or pictures would be appreciated.
 

[Bob M]

I converted a 1600 gas to an alternator a few years ago. Would think a diesel will not be much different.

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A few tips:

- Use a Delco 10SI internally-regulated alternator. These were used on virtually all GM cars/light trucks from the mid-70's thru mid- 80's. They are cheap, easy to wire and are almost bullet-proof. (I used one off a 1980 GMC pickup simply because I had it around)

- Use the pulley/fan from the old generator on the new alternator.

- You'll need fabricate modify the generator pivot bracket - or make a new one - to fit the shorter alternator.

- Use the old generator tensioning bracket.

- You will probably need a new fan belt (the existing one will be an inch or two short).

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Wiring is straight-forward:

- Remove and toss the old voltage regulator. Tape off the unused VR wiring.

- Run a 10 ga wire from the alternator output stud to the HOT side of the starter solenoid.

- Run a 16 ga wire from the LOW SIDE (not the ignition switch side) of existing generator warning light to the alternator #1 aux terminal. Make sure the warning lamp is not burned out (the alternator won't charge if the lamp is out).

- Run a 16 ga wire from the alternator output stud to the alternator #2 aux terminal.

Hope this helps...
 

[JNP]

I will second all the things Bob M said about wiring and the GM alternator. Dad has converted one on his gas 1600 and I have converted my 1600 diesel. On the diesel I just had to alter the alternator slightly (ground down the pivot mount and added a bushing) and it bolted right up where the generator was. I used the alternator"s pulley and the original v-belt. I will leave my email open if you have other questions or want pictures.
 

[Oliver1600]

Thanks for your reply. one question why cant you use the existing wiring that went to the generator. If I look at the wiring diagram it would seem that the wiring is going to same place i just need to switch my batteries to negative ground?
 

[Oliver1600]

Thanks for your reply. If it would not be to much trouble, pictures would be great!
Thanks for your help!
 

[OLarry from MD]

Well you can just use the hot wire that went to the regulator and hook it to a single wire alternator.I have pictures of my conversion in the tractor photos section at left.
 

[OLarry from MD]

You do need to search for larry from md.
 

[Bob M]

Yes - as long as the existing wiring is in good shape there's no reason it cannot be reused. (The wiring on my 1600 was questionable which is why I ran new wires...)

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To reuse the existing wiring:

Connect the old generator ARM wire to the alternator output stud. Also connect together the BAT and GEN wires at the old regulator location. This will take care of the alternator-to-starter solenoid wiring.

Connect the old generator FLD wire to the alternator #1 aux terminal. Then at the old regulator location, connect the FLD wire to the low side of the generator warning light.

Be sure to connect the batteries NEGATIVE ground!

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If wired right the generator warning light will burn when you turn the key on before starting the engine. The light should then go out after the engine is running.

Note: You may need to goose the throttle a moment after startup "turn on" the alternator - this is normal.
 

[J. Schwiebert]

One reason is the alternator has more output and the exisiting wire may not handle it. I would also use 14 gauge wires for the other wires.
 

[JNP]

I will post some pictures when I get home on Friday or Saturday.
 

[Oliver1600]

Thanks everyone for your input and help, hope to get this project completed this weekend.
 

[JNP]

Maybe you already have it figured out but I'll post some photos for anyone in the future that might be doing the same project.




 

[Oliver1600]

Thanks for the pictures, they are great!
I did figure out what you were saying about grinding down the pivot point, but I decided to wait and look at your pictures. I first thought I would have to grind out quite a bit but your pictures look like you didn't have to take that much off. I also thought about making a bracket so I wouldn't have to grind on the altenator, but I really see no point in that now. Thanks for your help and at least this pictures will be here for someone else.
 

[JNP]

Yep I think this method is quicker and easier than making a bracket. I didn't have a wrench with me to take the alternator off to take a picture of it but for a bushing I just used some pieces of copper tubing. Good luck with your project. You will not regret it. The difference between the generator and alternator is like night and day.