12V Generator in a 6V car

[Greg Spreeman]

Don't ask why but, my 6V car has a 12V generator. Love the way the starter kicks right off! At some point I'll do a complete 12v conversion but for the time being can I just keep the 12v generator in there without fear of burning something up/out? With my limited knowledge of electronics I'm guessing the first thing I'd blow would be the voltage regulator? As far as the battery is concerned, I have either a 6V Optima as well as a 12V. Any advice would be appreciated.

In the meantime I'll keep my eye on the thread about fire extinguishers!

Thanks all.

[Bill Weismann]

In the meantime I'll keep my eye on the thread about fire extinguishers!

Thanks all.

Greg,

Probably a good idea. Buy the best one you can afford!

Seriously, I would imagine that a 12v Generator would cook your battery in short order, to say nothing of other components in your car.

Now, the many far more knowledgeable amongst us may prove me wrong, but.. geez... I am a sissy but I manage to get into enough trouble by being overcautious as it is.

[Joe Leoni]

Greg,
The 12 volt generator works just fine at 6 volts.
The field resistance is 3 ohms so the field current is less on 6 volts.
This means less current in the VR contacts.
It is easier on the VR contacts.

I ran a 12 volt gen in my coupe for many years.
The voltage output is a function of the regulator, not the generator..
Joe
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Spreeman" <gspreeman@hotmail.com>
To: <356talk@356registry.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:36 PM
Subject: [356Talk] 12V Generator in a 6V car

Don't ask why but, my 6V car has a 12V generator. Love the way the starter
kicks right off! At some point I'll do a complete 12v conversion but for
the time being can I just keep the 12v generator in there without fear of
burning something up/out? With my limited knowledge of electronics I'm
guessing the first thing I'd blow would be the voltage regulator? As far
as the battery is concerned, I have either a 6V Optima as well as a 12V.
Any advice would be appreciated.

In the meantime I'll keep my eye on the thread about fire extinguishers!

Thanks all.

------------------------
Greg Spreeman
1965 356SC Coupe

Post generated using Mail2Forum via email.

[Greg Spreeman]

Thanks Joe,

I've heard so many opinions...yours always wins.

All the best,