[TR] generator vs alternator

Sat Jul 8 13:24:31 MDT 2023

OK, I was getting muddled between my TR250 which has numerous warning lamps and the TR3 which obviously only has two.

It is possible to get an LED for the flasher, as long as you get an LED-compatible flasher (which I did from LiteZupp).

But there was no alternative for the ignition lamp.

Andrew

From: DAVID MASSEY <dave1massey at cs.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 12:52 PM
To: dave northrup <dave at ranteer.com>; triumph list list <triumphs at autox.team.net>; auprichard uprichard.net <auprichard at uprichard.net>
Subject: Re: [TR] generator vs alternator

That is probably due to the fact that the flasher unit requires a minimum current to operate.  Since this is a three-terminal unit with the third wire for the dash indicator switching over to a two-terminal electronic flasher will not work.  And the electronic units may be Neg-Ground only.

Dave

On Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:06:19 AM CDT, auprichard uprichard.net <auprichard at uprichard.net<mailto:auprichard at uprichard.net>> wrote:

All I can say is I just replaced all the bulbs in my latest TR3 with LEDs from LiteZupp but Mike said I’d have to stick with the original bulbs for the warning lamps.

From: Triumphs <triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net<mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net>> On Behalf Of dave northrup
Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 10:34 AM
To: triumph list list <triumphs at autox.team.net<mailto:triumphs at autox.team.net>>
Subject: Re: [TR] generator vs alternator

https://litezupp.com/ can replace every bulb in almost every car

From: auprichard uprichard.net <auprichard at uprichard.net<mailto:auprichard at uprichard.net>>
Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 9:18 AM
To: dave northrup <dave at ranteer.com<mailto:dave at ranteer.com>>; triumph list list <triumphs at autox.team.net<mailto:triumphs at autox.team.net>>
Subject: RE: generator vs alternator

I would take it to a local shop and have them test it – but that’s just me.

An alternator is a significant upgrade (you can have lights and wipers on at the same time), but it will require different pulleys if it is a narrow belt.

I thought most alternator conversions were negative ground, but I may be wrong.  You can also stick with the generator and convert to negative ground for radios and other more modern electrical appliances.

Not sure about the reference to LEDs:  my understanding is  that there really is no LED alternative for the dash warning lights.

Andrew Uprichard

Jackson, Michigan

From: Triumphs <triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net<mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net>> On Behalf Of dave northrup
Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 9:25 AM
To: triumph list list <triumphs at autox.team.net<mailto:triumphs at autox.team.net>>
Subject: [TR] generator vs alternator

Recently picked up a 59 TR3 which has an alternator conversion.  Since the engine was separate, I have no idea how well the generator works or if at all.  It is still in the engine compartment, wires connected (unlike the engine).  how can I test it?

Given the current availability of LED lights, and since I have no interest in installing a radio, should I try to keep the current setup (little joke there) or go back to a generator?

Are there wiring diagrams for this car with a generator?
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