Morris Minor Owners Club

I found this video on Youtube from Moss explaining the difference between a Dynamo and an Alternator. It also explains how to wire an Alternator clearly.
As a few have stated when having issues, electrical troubleshooting for some is difficult.
Hope it helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NsAYiUHsho

That's a very good video. I also watched the associated ones on how the regulator works, and how to set it up. Very informative.

Cannot listen to a north american voice for more then 2 minutes at any one time because of the horrible sound but the information, so far , looks very good.

Nickol wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2015 5:28 pm Cannot listen to a north american voice for more then 2 minutes at any one time because of the horrible sound but the information, so far , looks very good.

I don't think his voice is particularly 'North American' it's just so monotone and boring.... They should've got a better voice over.

Actually, watching this video back again, I've realised this has a glaring safety omission.

It doesn't mention that the wiring to the ammeter that was previously in the Genny/Dynamo circuit will likely melt when given the current output of the alternator.

Plus, the ammeter itself could well be damaged as it will probably be a 30-0-30 indicator and the Alternator could be 45amp plus, so it would need higher rated wiring and a higher rated gauge, ie.e a 60-0-60.

I have fitted an alternator and just followed the drawing given. I am a bit surprised that when I turn the lights on whilst the engine is running the ammeter goes well into the -?
I put my volt meter on the battery and it is 14.5v no lights on and 13v with lights on so it seems the alternator is working, maybe the ammeter needs to be wired in somewhere else?

Patrick

Excellent,most helpful video,but I know I’m getting on a bit but I understand that alternators only work on negative earth,but that final wiring diagram in the video shows positive earth,or is it just me!

Martlin
You are correct it does show a positive earth wiring diagram and " negative " earth Alternators are the norm now ( positive earth Alternators were produced , in the early days ). Postive earth Alternators are around but not terribly easy to find.
Bob

What would you say would be the best ampere for an alternator fitted to a Morris Ital engine.Looks like origional figment was 34 ampere.
Could I upgrade this for a higher ampere.
Martin.

You are right in that the original Marina/Ital alternator had an output of 34AMPS at 6000 alternator rpm

You can easily upgrade to a 50AMP alternator.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALTERNATOR-1 ... Swl~tZlCxI

Thanks Phil,I will order the one you recommended.
Martin.

Generally, an alternator will charge at high amps even just above idle. 34A should be more than adequate for most minors - considering the dynamos were deemed adequate back in the day. Likely getting twice the output most of the time.

10 amps for headlamps, 2A for side lights, 3A for wipers, a couple for the heater motor and a couple for the ignition. Leaves plenty to return the starting current in the first couple of minutes running.

If you have heated screens at both front and rear it is a different matter!

When the dynamo would be struggling, an alternator would be generating the full load quite easily.

My previous car was annoying in that the alternator ‘dropped out’ at engine tick-over - the headlights went dim. That should not really have occurred. It does not do that on my current vehicle.

Changing to a bigger machine, than required, is a waste of money unless the charge rate is required - the alternator will only be making the load in use, so will regulate down from its maximum output for most of the running time.

That said, there is not a lot of difference if one has to replace the alternator, but changing just for the sake of change will simply cost you money with no real benefit.

Has anyone got a wiring diagram for an alternator conversion for a 1098 Minor.
The video is very good,but not quite the same as the Minor wiring.
Many thanks,
Martin.

Does this help? viewtopic.php?f=11&t=39514

Yes myoldjalopy,very helpful,many thanks,Martin.