does anyone still use generator & voltage reg vs alternator

[PIG-TECH]

i see most people moved towards alternators. but all the wiring schematics i have seen show the original generator & voltage reg. also i took a picture of what i am guessing is the old power steering reservoir, the lid reads automatic tans fluid only ? correct me if i'm wrong . just guessing its on my 72 C20

[Grumpy old man]

Yep , Looks like a remote power steering reservoir to me. Was your truck a Big block ?

[ray_mcavoy]

GM changed most of their vehicles over to alternators in 1963. Most of them were externally regulated alternators up until about 1973 when the internally regulated alternators became standard equipment.

A lot of the factory literature, wiring diagrams, etc. still calls them generators though (even the internally regulated alternators are called generators in some places). The warning lights on the dashes still read "gen" or "generator" on many alternator-equipped vehicles as well. It's technically correct because an alternator is still a type of generator. It just generates AC which is then rectified to DC by the diodes inside. As compared to the older generators that produced a direct DC output.


And to answer the conversion question, yes, my dad and I have a few vehicles that are still running the original type externally regulated alternators with no problems.

[El Dorado Jim]

yep, what they said!

[PIG-TECH]

great info thanks

[special-K]

You are correct on the P/S reservoir. GM recommended using Dextron in these trucks. I figure if and when you should decide to sell that piece, you'll list it on the parts board.

[57larry]

I always go with an internal alt. it's easier