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Alternator rotation

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Spoon, Jan 6, 2008.

  1. Spoon
    Joined: Sep 18, 2004
    Posts: 273

    Spoon
    Member

    Will an alternator produce voltage reguardless of it's rotational direction?
    If so, how will it's cooling be effected?
     
  2. Von Rigg Fink
    Joined: Jun 11, 2007
    Posts: 13,418

    Von Rigg Fink
    Member
    from Garage

    how do you plan on rotating it any other way than it already does?
    No matter where you place it on the front of your engine it will always rotate the same way, unless you plan on twisting your V belt into an 8 shape, or mount it facing your engine..am i right?
     
  3. dave lewis
    Joined: Dec 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,378

    dave lewis
    Member
    from Nampa ID

    Alternators will charge turning either direction. The fan will normally pull warm air out of the case (clockwize, facing the engine) If you need to mount it backwards on the engine ( clearance issues??) it will work fine. The fan will blow cool air into the case. ( slightly less efficient, but ok.)
    Dave :)
     
  4. Dirty2
    Joined: Jun 13, 2004
    Posts: 8,903

    Dirty2
    Member

    It dosent care which way it spins. There is oppasite direction fans like for the serpentine belts which turn the alternator and water pump ccw. But I have never had a problem with the std fan.
     

  5. Von Rigg Fink
    Joined: Jun 11, 2007
    Posts: 13,418

    Von Rigg Fink
    Member
    from Garage

    Ok, cool I didnt know that either!. good thing to remember.
     
  6. DrJ
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 9,419

    DrJ
    Member

    Are there marine application reverse rotation alt's for reverse rotation engine$ available with reverse bent fan$?
     
  7. Von Rigg Fink
    Joined: Jun 11, 2007
    Posts: 13,418

    Von Rigg Fink
    Member
    from Garage

    The marine application issue would be a good source..(Expensive ) but good source..The marine Alt's are approved for that application so they are to provide a low risk of ignition in the case of fumes in the engine compartment, so they get a few bucks more for them..kinda like the Marine Carb. issue.
     
  8. Spoon
    Joined: Sep 18, 2004
    Posts: 273

    Spoon
    Member

    The alts I have came off of different V8s and I'm mounting one on my Flat 6. I noticed the fins were opposite from the ones on the generator that came off of the Flathead 6 cyl. Then, I got myself all confused as to which direction my V8s turned. I think they both turn counterclock wise from the drivers seat, but I'm not positive. That's how this question popped up.

    Thanks for all of your help.
    Ya'll rock!
     
  9. langy
    Joined: Apr 27, 2006
    Posts: 5,730

    langy
    Member Emeritus

    If the alternator has been used for any length of time the brushes will have bedded thereselves in and may not like being spun in the other direction at first. Got the shirt :-(
     
  10. stuart in mn
    Joined: Nov 22, 2007
    Posts: 2,406

    stuart in mn
    Member

    If I recall correctly, Corvairs had a reverse rotation alternator so if you're talking about a GM alternator you could try to find an alternator fan off one of them.
     
  11. Gusaroo
    Joined: Dec 19, 2006
    Posts: 285

    Gusaroo
    Member

    If your running a serpentine set up, you could potentially be in a situation where the alt may run in reverse... but why would you want a serp set up anyway?
     
  12. Model A Vette
    Joined: Mar 8, 2002
    Posts: 1,075

    Model A Vette
    Member

    Yes, Corvair alternators turn counterclockwise veiwed from the front. They were used '65-'69. The fans are different and the nuts to hold the pulley and fan on are lock nuts. Clarks Corvair sells billet fans if you feel the need! (www.corvair.com)
     

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