Looking at starting the engine resto on my 68 S in the next month or two. Thinking of making it more original by putting the generator back on. Until the car went into the garage with too much smoke (nearly two years ago!) I drove it every day. I expect once I get it running nicely again I will drive it a few times a week. Just trying to decide if putting the generator back on instead of the alternator is a good idea. My mechanic says there is nothing wrong with them and original is good. I don't have a radio or driving lights etc. Your thoughts?

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Have the generator serviced and it's output checked then you wont have a problem. As long as output amperes exceed the load from accessories. Take care with the loads you put back into the car. Lights are usually the greatest load, so if you figure five amps for the ignition and 10 amps for the headlights (2×60watt bulbs on high beam) then that leaves you with only some room to move with charging capacity (around 7 Amps). If you drive through the day only, that leaves you heaps more capacity (about 18 Amps charge).

The normal capacity for a generator is 22 amps when operating at operating revolutions, 2250 rpm and above for the standard generator pulley. I believe the Cooper S had a larger pulley to move this rated speed higher up the rev range. There was a need to reduce the armature velocity in the racing engines. They expand centrifugally over time and start to clout the stator.

Generator data is in the How To link: http://www.ausmini.com/manuals/Mini%20W ... 20Data.pdf

Generator Setup is at this link: http://www.ausmini.com/manuals/Mini%20W ... System.pdf

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

It'll be fine.
Back in `68 I ran my Mini in rally trim with extra lights etc, never had a problem.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

People drove them everyday when new!, why would it be any less adequate now?. Most alternators won't put out more current than a generator unless they are revved.

Ash.

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----------1984 Mini Mayfair with not much 1984 Mayfair left of it!-----------
----------1968 fake Cooper S that messed with a tree -----------------------------

The stereos and big spotties people tend to bolt on do the generators in, not the age. So its a modern dilemna not always communicated that well. Who knows, it could be people have crappy batteries and blame the generator? How many people in history have bought new alternators when after the expense its the battery at fault? Stock cars, well maintained do fine.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Maybe...brush gear and commutators are a PITA IMHO (pays out a little line, bobs head of rod up and down, slackens the drag )

Isn't someone on here putting alternators inside Genny housings?

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"Show me the Mini!"

Brushes aren't difficult. Cheap at 20 bucks or sand them down from 9 inch grinder brushes for free

My 997 has its generator still on it from new. The car has about 17000 miles from new (52 years!) and so the generator is barely worn in I reckon..

It works really well and the regulator is adjusted up superbly. The light goes off straight away when the car is started, and gives no trouble. There must have been something in them when they were new.

I have an image of the alternatored genny somewhere. A really well performed modification I think from the creators.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Voltage regulators can become self magnetised and slow to respond or stick, the contacts can grow whiskers or burn holes, commutator's get clogged with brush/commie material and start arcing, brush's wear out very fast sometimes, brushes wear grooves in the commie, dry bushes sieze etc etc

Alternators spin until their bearings go phut or maybe a rectifier throws in the towel ...after a lot of use.

I would only have a generator if originality was the main goal rather than reliability I need to go lie down

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"Show me the Mini!"

1st thing that goes on most Lucas alternators is the slip ring brushes. At least (except for the oddball Oz made one) you can replace them in situ..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

It's a nice original car. I'd keep it that way and fit the generator. Times I thought I had issues with mine it turned out to be the regulator and/or the battery at fault.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

Thanks for all the pros and cons everyone, I will take it on board and make a decision. Cheers.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Hmmm, took the generator to an old auto electrician for a check over. He said it looks good and he could test it but said, "why would you want to put it on?" "If it's not a show car then its not very practical when you are already running a perfectly good alternator! You will have to re-wire the car and fit a regulator as well and then it wont be as good as what you already have." I took it off him, put it back in its box and stuck it in the garage again. I need to think this over a bit more because it is not easy to change back if I am not happy. Anyway, I am still trying to decide but thanks for the replies.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club