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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Generator vs alternator

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Discussion Topic: Generator vs alternator -- page: 1 2 3

silverchief

06-05-2020 @ 9:41 AM

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Was reading an article in an automotive publication yesterday that states:

"Every time you start a vehicle with a 6 volt system, you have to drive 10 miles at highway speed to replenish the amount of energy drawn from the battery for just the one start of the car."

Probably true. That being the case, how did Ford prevent it's dealers from being swamped by angry new car owners who drove only 2 or 3 city miles every day to work or to their office, and
thus after four or five days regularly found themselves with a dead battery.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

kubes40

06-05-2020 @ 9:59 AM

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My thoughts? Don't believe everything you read.

This is patently false: "Every time you start a vehicle with a 6 volt system, you have to drive 10 miles at highway speed to replenish the amount of energy drawn from the battery for just the one start of the car."

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

ford38v8

06-05-2020 @ 1:38 PM

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Call and raise:
Don't believe everything you think.

Alan

kubes40

06-05-2020 @ 2:35 PM

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So Alan, you believe every time you start your car you have to run it 10 miles at freeway speed to recharge the battery?
I must really not know what I'm doing. I rarely take any of my cars out but when I do, it's typically very short runs. I have NEVER had a charging issue nor a dead battery.
Of course I've never experienced vapor lock either and I buy only the 10% ethanol stuff that all around here.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

kirkstad

06-05-2020 @ 3:58 PM

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I agree with Mike.I rarely drive more than a few miles in my 36 to cruise nights etc. and never had a problem. I did have to replace my battery recently because it was almost 6 years old. Back in the 60's my dad drove a 55 ford to work only a few miles away and I don't recall him ever having a problem.
Frank

sarahcecelia

06-06-2020 @ 5:07 AM

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I have "Battery Tenders" on all 4 of my classic cars. They constantly moniter the batteries and keep them fully charged. You can buy them from the plant in Deland, Florida. Others sell them , but at a higher price than the plant.I've had other brands, but they went bad a lot of times. The "Battery Tender" Is the "Mercedes Benz" of them all!! They run about $32. I personally, SWEAR BY THEM!!!

Regards, Steve Lee

This message was edited by sarahcecelia on 6-8-20 @ 7:18 AM

silverchief

06-06-2020 @ 8:00 AM

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Thanks for all your input guys. I drive my 46 maybe coupe of times a week for probably 2 miles with it's original 6 volt setup. Have been constantly plagued with dead battery problems, both Optima and lead acid. Other members have suggested my short drives deplete the batteries charge. All wiring is new, generator is obviously working correctly, had the starter rebuilt, and new batteries always help but I remain apprehensive about leaving home.

Was considering an alternator, but am a strong believer in there being no reason why Henry's original equipment shouldn't work fine. Plus, reversing the hookup on the ammeter is required, and that entails either working under the dash or removing the meter, and either one is a real hassle.

kubes40

06-06-2020 @ 8:20 AM

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Silverchief,
I'm guessing there remains an issue with your electrical system.
Being that you'd tried both Optima and acid core batteries with the same results makes me go to (first) a slow drain.
They can be a bear to track down but really, if you are 100% certain your charging system is operating properly, I can think of no other reason for your dilemma.
Perhaps TomO can weigh in here??? That man knows his way around the things that make sparkies!

While a battery tender does help keep a batterie's life extended, it is not (should not be) necessary for a car that is being used as often as yours is.
I have tenders on my cars ONLY when in long term storage.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

This message was edited by kubes40 on 6-6-20 @ 8:22 AM

therunwaybehind

06-06-2020 @ 9:43 AM

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Do you have an electric clock that winds itself with a solenoid? My 1948 had one. This is a likely source of a slow drain. My other advice on "battery tenders" is they won't charge the battery once it gets down a ways. Smart has it's limits is what they seem to say.

silverchief

06-07-2020 @ 11:34 AM

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Interesting you guys should mention the clock. Had it rebuilt couple of years ago. Ran great. Later, when searching for the source of what I also considered had to be a drain, the clock reared it's ugly head. Removed the fuse, and the presto chang0- no drain. Haven't used it since then.

As stated in previous thread I finally gave up on Optima. Me and they just could not get on the same page. I am satisfied with the Duracell lead acid I am currently running. Those times I have found it depleted were obviously not it's fault, and it will crank a long time trying to remedy the situation. Plus, after charging and sitting disconnected about 10 days, it will still show a little over 6 volts.

Latest episode involved being towed home, (grrr) with quick check showing no fuel at carb from full time electric pump. Replaced fuse and toggle switch, finally going direct from battery to pump - nothing. Presently waiting for a new one in the mail.

Interesting argument about how one start not followed by 10 miles of highway speed driving will drain the battery. Hard for me to believe Henry would let a car leave his factory with that quirk.

Thanks again for the input.

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