GENERATOR TO ALTERNATOR CONVERSION
For Zephyrs MKl –MKlll and early MKlV cars (mounting etc
will be different for a MklV car).
The best alternators I have found to swap in with minimum
work are the Lucas internally regulated alternators mounted in the English Ford
and BMC Leyland range of cars. There are various models, 17 ACR has 38 amps, an
18ACR has 44 amps and a 20ACR has 55 amps. Make sure they are suitable for
mounting on the left-hand side (intake side) of the motor (right hand side on a
MKlV). Do unhook the battery before doing this and these instructions are for a
negative earth car.
Above is the diagram showing the wiring of both the
generator in broken lines with the new replacement alternator wiring in solid
lines.
The wire marked "A" goes from the small spade
terminal on the back of the alternator to the warning light dash wire. The
heavy large spade terminal (there will be 2, either one will suit) on the back
of the alternator, goes with 65/3 or 3 mm wire to the starter
solenoid. The wire (B) that is 65/3 or 3mm can be reused from
the heavy brown wire that before went from the Solenoid to the regulator.
(This factory wire (65/3 or 3mm) is crimped to another factory brown wire the
same size (C) at the solenoid, and goes back into the wiring harness
to the ignition switch.) If the original harness is carefully untapped,
original wiring can be reused with new spade terminals etc, crimped on to
suit. The reason for an internally regulated alternator is the easy
two-wire hook up.
The original generator-mounting bracket to the block can be
reused if a tube spacer (as in "D" in diagram) is used.
Disclaimer:
The advice and guidelines given in these articles are given in good faith.
The owners and managers of the Galeforce Zephyr site will take no
responsibility for any injuries or loss sustained while carrying out the
described tasks and procedures or any consequences arising. Please read
the Safety First
Article