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Generator Or Alternator On 58 Cj5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Mark T., Aug 27, 2020.

  1. Aug 27, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    Been a while but I am back to building the Jeep. My Jeep came without an alternator or a generator. Is there a way for me to tell whether it came with a generator or alternator. I am leaning to installing an alternator (12-volt). I am trying hard to keep the equipment as close to stock as possible for now.
     
  2. Aug 27, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    They came with a generator originally.
     
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  3. Aug 27, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Nothing wrong with a generator set-up. Others will differ but I like them.
     
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  4. Aug 28, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Willys changed to a 12v system beginning in 1957, but alternators didn't come along until around '63/'64. You can install a generator to keep your Jeep completely stock, of upgrade to an alternator.
    -Donny
     
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  5. Aug 28, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    Thanks for the information.
     
  6. Aug 28, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    so a 12 V Generator is where I will be spending time and my money.
     
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  7. Aug 28, 2020
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Be sure you get matching (electrical) gen and reg. A reg may over work a low output gen so know what you are buying.
     
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  8. Aug 28, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    Man I have so much to learn still. I am super glad this forum is here. Definitely gonna send some money to support this resource.
     
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  9. Aug 28, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    I gotta find one now. That seems to be the tricky part it seems.
     
  10. Aug 28, 2020
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    They are spendy but you can find alternators built into a genset housing.
     
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  11. Aug 28, 2020
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Watch the pulley groove with the water-pump. some wide and some narrow. Need to get matching pulley groove width.
     
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  12. Aug 28, 2020
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
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    Mark
    You might call Genstar electric in Glendale if you have issues or find something that needs repair or advice. He has been there for a very long time and can match your voltage regulator to your generator. He may have something on the shelf. The guy is impressive, knowledgeable about the old stuff and reasonably priced. Good luck.
     
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  13. Aug 29, 2020
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    I have a generator off a jump starter that was on a wrecker for starting wet motors, it had two generators on it with a Briggs and Stratton motor, they quit using them when computers were put in cars. You can have it for shipping if it will help you out. I put it on my Jeep, but it had to be running fast to work, so I put the right one on my Jeep, then took it off and put a GM one wire on it. You might find someone to re-wire it for your needs? Good Luck.
     
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  14. Aug 29, 2020
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    If you know how fast it has to spin, you can likely get a pulley that keeps it in the useful RPM range.

    Keep in mind that a large load genset might rob serious power from the engine and might cause belt slip depending on other factors.

    The original units output very little power but it was enough for what the Jeeps needed.
     
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  15. Aug 29, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    Oh this is good local knowledge. I had no idea. Thanks for the tip. Just checked by box of parts and not Generator or Alternator but there are the brackets for a generator.
     
  16. Aug 29, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    Wow what an amazing offer. Let me know what you need for shipping. There is probably a way on here to do a private message but I'm not sure.
     
  17. Aug 29, 2020
    Mark T.

    Mark T. Member 2022 Sponsor

    Gilbert, AZ
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    More good info here. I will only have electrical for the original equipment. No radio or other.
     
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  18. Aug 29, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    To help you understand a bit about generators here are a couple of simple tips. The first alternators they used didn't have much more output than a generator. The biggest difference is a generator doesn't charge at idle and in fact the electrical system can be drawing current to keep the engine running. This won't hurt a good battery and it isn't much current and would take a long time to be detrimental. Idling at a traffic light for example would not be an issue. With your intended usage, as others have stated a generator will be fine.
     
  19. Aug 29, 2020
    066wally

    066wally New Member

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    I had a generator. I didn't understand how it worked, and it didn't work very well. I went to an alternator that works. I understand what it does, sort of.
    I wasn't trying to stay original, I just wanted something that worked. I didn't have the foresight to save the generator for someone else (pre internet).
     
  20. Aug 29, 2020
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    Generators are neat in that they don't require power to generate power. They are also needed to run a hylo.

    That being said, they will be more $ to run over time as they are "vintage" and that generally means more $ to fix CORRECTLY.
     
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