MF 135 12v generator to 1 wire alternator conversion

I have a MF 135 with the perkins diesel and a 12v generator. I have replaced the voltage regulator several times and it will work for a few months and quit. I had the generator tested and it's still good, just not putting out much amperage. Even a new only puts out about 11 amps. I tried a Delco 1 wire alternator a couple years ago and while it worked, the steering tie rod would hit when I crossed a ditch. It could have been my homemade mounting bracket but I really didn't like the looks of that big alternator hanging out there to the side. I'm sure I'm not the first with this problem and I would like to know how someone else remedied this problem. Has anyone used the mini alternators on the market? Any ideas?
MF 135 generator.jpg
MF 135 generator.jpg
 
Yes, several have used the mini alternators with good results. There are some posts here about them and wiring terminal identification for some. I only have a few minutes right now, so I am not available to search for them for you. Try searching here for Hitachi alternator and also Denso Alternator. Someone will likely be along soon to give you more info.
 
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Good news- you can buy a LUCAS Generator, marked as drop in, really needs slight original mt shimming. Worked for my MF 35. Buy and use a Lucas type regulator. Both are available and affordable (E Bay, +) . Gen looks OK, a bit smaller. Extra output Vs orig., Volt reg a rectangle vs a square. If you can't fit it in orig space , maybe you shouldn't be plowing. Lets face it , a 1971 vintage Gen is unneeded + looks most stupid. Save the mini alts for mini rice burners. Fix your orig, or shelve it and go with an affordable new Lucas type. I do not at all work for same, Mine was not Chinia made! Remember to add a fuse link.
 
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we did an alternator conversion on our MF65 Perkins, and went with a 45w Kubota alternator- much smaller, works great, and doesn't stick out.
 
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I did some looking around the internet last night and the mini alternators I found were made in China. I won't say all but most but what concerned me more was the fact that they were so open and not so weather or moisture proof. I found a 45 amp alternator like jt501 was talking about but the description doesn't give anything about the size of it so I don't know if I was looking at the right one. I should finish baling today and can bring the tractor home for the first time in a month. Then I'll have more time to play with it. There's a starter shop in OKC I deal with that rebuilds starters, alternators, and generators that I may take it to find something that will put out more amps and not be so open.
 
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I did some looking around the internet last night and the mini alternators I found were made in China. I won't say all but most but what concerned me more was the fact that they were so open and not so weather or moisture proof. I found a 45 amp alternator like jt501 was talking about but the description doesn't give anything about the size of it so I don't know if I was looking at the right one. I should finish baling today and can bring the tractor home for the first time in a month. Then I'll have more time to play with it. There's a starter shop in OKC I deal with that rebuilds starters, alternators, and generators that I may take it to find something that will put out more amps and not be so open.
next time I'm out at the farm I'll look at the part number on the alternator to let you know which one to look for.
 
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I have a MF 135 with the perkins diesel and a 12v generator. I have replaced the voltage regulator several times and it will work for a few months and quit. I had the generator tested and it's still good, just not putting out much amperage. Even a new only puts out about 11 amps. I tried a Delco 1 wire alternator a couple years ago and while it worked, the steering tie rod would hit when I crossed a ditch. It could have been my homemade mounting bracket but I really didn't like the looks of that big alternator hanging out there to the side. I'm sure I'm not the first with this problem and I would like to know how someone else remedied this problem. Has anyone used the mini alternators on the market? Any ideas?View attachment 81800View attachment 81800
I can't help with the alternator but I went through the same thing with my Voltage Regulator. The $20 VRs are garbage.

My parts manual lists the Delco VR P/Ns. I had NAPA cross that number to Eichlan. $75 and two years later, no issues.

Might be worth a look.
 
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Well, I struck out at the alternator shop. Probably 90%+ of their alternators and starters were for automobiles and very little tractor stuff. They had a few Delco 1 wire alternators and even less of the mini's modified to 1 wire. He told me the 1 wire mini alternators don't last very well out in the weather. I would still consider upgrading but for the meantime he said my generator was working so I brought it home with me and I'm going to take it apart and mostly clean it up. The springs on the brushes need freed up but the brushes still look good. The numbers on the generator were 1100437 6K28. When I looked that up Delco said it was obsolete and had been replaced with 1947579. Even that is now obsolete. I hope this one works for a long time.
 
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I have a MF 135 with the perkins diesel and a 12v generator. I have replaced the voltage regulator several times and it will work for a few months and quit. I had the generator tested and it's still good, just not putting out much amperage. Even a new only puts out about 11 amps. I tried a Delco 1 wire alternator a couple years ago and while it worked, the steering tie rod would hit when I crossed a ditch. It could have been my homemade mounting bracket but I really didn't like the looks of that big alternator hanging out there to the side. I'm sure I'm not the first with this problem and I would like to know how someone else remedied this problem. Has anyone used the mini alternators on the market? Any ideas?View attachment 81800View attachment 81800
On the top right of your screen (when on Yesterdays Tractors) enter MF-35 Generator to Alternator
Also try entering Cormiers Cove
Read the information

Here is the write up along with pictures by "YT"contributor... Cormiers Cove

I just did the conversion on my 1964 35X perkins diesel. I used the original bracket with a piece welded on it to accommodate the narrower width of the alternator top mounting section. I drilled a hole through that added piece in line with the other hole on the end of the bracket after it was welded on so as to have them aligned. Basically just use the outer end of the bracket hole as a line up guide with your drill bit to drill a hole through the welded piece. And I turned the bracket upside down and drilled a new slot hole for one of the mounting bolts to allow adjustment where it bolts to the timing case. The hole in the middle of the bracket was still used as is but when you turn the bracket upside down the other mounting hole is at the wrong end of the bracket and not in line with the timing case hole but I had to do this in order to get the proper alignment of the pulley. This was done to accommodate my new alternator. I chose to use a very nice one wire self excite alternator that is slightly smaller in diameter then the original generator. I also changed out the Ammeter to a voltmeter. .I bought a piece of 6 gauge wire and two terminal ends. Soldered the wire to the terminal ends by heating the terminal ring in a vise with a torch and filling with solder. Then while hot I inserted the wire. Used pliers to crimp it as best I could but it solidifies quick. I then wired to the battery terminal on my starter and the other end to the alternator. The voltmeter was wired by grounding one side and the other to any spot the battery gives power like a light or to the solenoid. By using a one wire alternator you eliminate the voltage regulator and I removed mine. The alternator I bought has a built in regulator. You also eliminate the need for the wires the old generator used. My nice little alternator came with a 1/2 inch wide pulley to accommodate the original V belt. I used the lower mount support bracket with a few spacers to mount the bottom side of the alternator. I had to get a shorter V belt by an inch or so. It was very easy.
 

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I have a MF 135 with the perkins diesel and a 12v generator. I have replaced the voltage regulator several times and it will work for a few months and quit. I had the generator tested and it's still good, just not putting out much amperage. Even a new only puts out about 11 amps. I tried a Delco 1 wire alternator a couple years ago and while it worked, the steering tie rod would hit when I crossed a ditch. It could have been my homemade mounting bracket but I really didn't like the looks of that big alternator hanging out there to the side. I'm sure I'm not the first with this problem and I would like to know how someone else remedied this problem. Has anyone used the mini alternators on the market? Any ideas?View attachment 81800View attachment 81800
I just posted information on your Generator to Alternator change out..
 
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