Basic Alternator question????
 

If an alternator normally runs clock wise....would it work if it
spun the other way?

My GM alternator I am using on the Type IV is not putting out juice, but it is spinning the opposite way than the alternator on my GM truck does......before I call Summitt and *****....would this make it not charge?

I do think they are designed to go one direction.

From here...

http://web.media.mit.edu/~nathan/nepal/ghatta/alternator.html

"make sure the alternator's pulley always runs clockwise"

Hope that helps!

This is a one wire alternator.....does it have to be grounded? I see a nut on the back opposite the power wire....nothing going to it.....

I am trying to think of a reason it would make a difference and i can't think of any.

Well, here's where I f-uped......it was tested at Manny, Moe and Rice. No output....I burned the brushes by turning it backwards.

I need to go an alternator shop, have the brushes replaced and converted to CCW like a boat. GM alternators turn CW, the cooler fan needs it that way the brushes are set uyp that way....live and learn.....:rolleyes:

I wouldn't think it would make a difference, especially with an alternator. The only thing that might hurt is the direction of the cooling fan on the front of the unit would be wrong, if you're using it that is.

Well either way....I cooked it. So, reverse cooling fan, reverse brushes it is.....

Took it the alternator shop. They said the fan is designed to turn one way. I most likely heated up the stator due to the fan not providing air flow.

They are going to rebuild it and get a dual direction fan.