alt conversion

notjustair · Apr 4, 2012

I know alternator conversions open a can of worms, but I am ready to do one on my M. Lots of folks use the Delco 10SI alternator. Does the pulley from the generator fit right on there? Right now I have a 12 volt generator on it that I think is from a 400 series or something (if I remember right). It would be nice to be able to use some of that hardware without needing 14 trips to town!

Andrew Z · Apr 4, 2012

Yes just get one off a 1980's Chevy car such a Cavalier or S10, no ac etc etc. They are around 50amps and work great. More or less a direct bolt on to the M, just have to manipulate the brackets ever so little. Also the stock belt works fine too.

The H is where you run into all the clearance issues.

Andrew

DanR · Apr 4, 2012

That's one of the easiest conversions you can do. Use the pulley that comes on the Delco. Just turn the original generator bracket up side down. Then all you need is a piece of 3/8 all thread and some 3/8 nuts. mount it up and run a single wire to the ammeter. That's it. Don't forget to change the light bulbs. You can also use the original belt.

Bob M · Apr 4, 2012

The OEM 6 volt generator pulley will not work on the alternator. However if the 12V generator you've got is a Delco and it has a cooling fan, the pulley/fan assembly SHOULD fit the 10 SI alternator.

Otherwise visit a junkyard or starter shop and get use pulley/fan. A pulley from most any Delco 12 volt car generator or alternator from the mid-50's thru mid-80's will fit.

Tip: Get the SMALLEST pulley you can find! The generator drive pulley on the fan hub is relatively small, and an M fan runs pretty slow. A small pulley on the alternator spins it faster and gives better results.

David G · Apr 4, 2012

One clarification on the pulley, get the smallest diameter but the belt is fairly wide.

DeltaRed · Apr 4, 2012

This is a newer 'Delcotron'.the bracket is shopmade.The gen belt is still used.this is a Super H.The Super M is similar but used shorter belt.

State of Jefferson · Apr 4, 2012

I just converted my SMTA, used a Hitachi 14231 from an early 80's Nissan pickup. Cost me $36 from Rockauto.com. I'm sure it's not the highest quality, but for the price...
Has a nice small profile, bolts right up to the original bracket(using a piece of allthread).

Now, if I can find someone reliable to rebuild the starter, I'll be in business...

Ben

charlieu · Apr 4, 2012

Here are a couple pictures of an alternator kit that I sell for Farmall M and 450 series of tractors. Comes complete ready to bolt on, kit includes a nice little pulley that fits the belt correctly. I get $140 for complete kit or I'll sell just mounting brackets for Delco or Hitachi alternators. I also have 1 wire alternators available. My e-mail is [email protected]

55 50 Ron · Apr 4, 2012

Does your starter not work?? If it still works, you don't need to change it over for the 12 volt conversion.

mkirsch · Apr 4, 2012

I just fixed a one-wire conversion on a Super M. The previous owner had cut the hood and was using a turnbuckle attached to the frame rail to tighten the belt.

Flip the stock generator bracket over so the arms are pointing down.

I had to hacksaw a piece off the bottom mounting lug on the alternator to get the belt to line up.

Located the alternator and marked the hole on the bracket. It turned out to be exactly 1" closer to the engine block than the OEM hole.

Removed the bracket and drilled 3/8" holes in both arms, exactly 1" closer to the block than the original holes.

Put the bracket back on the tractor for the last time.

Mounted the alternator using 3/8" threaded rod.

Bent the original top brace to line up with the top mounting lug on the alternator, and used some washers as spacers for proper alignment.

It fit PERFECTLY. Just off the engine head. Just inside the hood.

State of Jefferson · Apr 4, 2012

It does not work. That's part of the reason I did the conversion, I thought maybe the problem was the charging system. Not so. 'Parently the guy that "fixed" my starter last summer, really only "fixed" me out of $40...

Ben

DeanOlson · Apr 4, 2012

This is the conversion on my 300. Hitachi alternator that came with the correct pulley. I pd right at $60 at my local parts house.

alt conversion

notjustair

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Andrew Z

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DanR

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Bob M

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David G

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DeltaRed

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State of Jefferson

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charlieu

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55 50 Ron

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mkirsch

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State of Jefferson

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DeanOlson

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