A generator with no air vents or fan?

[Bugman]

I just picked up a new used 6V generator for my '55 Ply. It has no fan on the front, and no vent holes in either end plate. The inside is almost completely sealed from the outside. Will this cause a problem in a street car? Will the generator overheat? Thanks

-Jeff

[Petejoe]

Speaking from my experience only.............
The main reason alternators and generators fail in time is because they overheat. Sometimes you will buy a high amperage alternator which has been installed into a stock housing. These will fail very quickly because the stock design doesnt permit enough ventilation.
This 6 volt generator you have thats totally sealed just doesnt compute. I agree with you...how does it stay cool.
Hopefully someone has some answer for this.

[Bugman]

The data plate is missing, so I don't even have a brand, but it looks just like the Auto-Lite that came off the car, but with no fan or vent holes in the end plates. How could it not fry its self? Anyone?

[DrJ]

Sounds more like a starter motor...
Yea I know, probly not but stranger things hve got mistaken.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[modernbeat]

I've got a few of those. Usually from tractors. I had a custom one made up that was to mount on my rear axle and the generator guy recomended a tractor case with no venting to exclude grit and dirt from the windings.

IIRC they turn and charge at lower RPMs than a car generator. You may have to juggle pully ratios to make it work right.