Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing '61 +4 Generator Question

Generator does not seem to be recharging the battery The battery is fine so I'm assuming its the generator? Any easy way to check this? And would you suggest converting to an alternator?

Rather than frustrate myself with the Old Lucas Generator, I converted My '63 +4 to Negative Ground and then to a GM Delco Generator.

Do You live in the U.S. or the UK? If the UK maybe somebody else can help. If the U.S. I can help.

Unless you want an 100 % original car upgrading to an alternator is a very good idea (IMHO). Much more reliable and more output, also at tick-over.
If you are concerned about the looks there are alternators looking like an old dynamo. More expensive though. There is a good Lucas workshop manual available as a PDF on the internet:
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/LucasFault.pdf
Have a look at the chapter "Dynamos and Control boxes"


One problem is the mechanical regulator for the old dynamos. It needs adjustments and often the contacts suffers from corrosion. Electronic regulators for alternators are MUCH more reliable. Inside the dynamo the brushes have to carry the full output current wheras the brushes in the alternator only carries the current for magnetisation, lasting longer.

Henrik,
you beat me to it.
John

I'd go with the alternator conversion too. I used a kit from Rimmer Bros which contains all the various brackets and pullies.

However,depending on the type of exhaust manifold you gave fitted, you do need to be aware of clearance between the manifold and the alternator.

I did initally fit a Lucas ACR series alternator to my Plus 4 (with a non original tubular manifold) but there was very little clearance between on of the headers and the plastic cover at the back of the alternator. I've since been given a GM alternator (which I presume is the same as the one Button mentioned above. Its more compact and clearance is not now an issue.

Arwyn

We have a 1958 Plus 4 with a TR engine and sports exhaust, please be aware that the heat from the exhaust CAN melt the plastic of the alternator due to there proximity

Two threads running on this query...

Thanks to all for the feedback. Pulled the generator and awaiting an Alternator from Morgan Spares of New England along with a rebuilt VR....best wishes to you all and thanks for the assistance. Long past worrying about originality, my interest is in driving her.

Good man. That's what they are meant for!

I hope You also ordered the Mount for the alternator. The Morgan Spares mount does the job.