1976 Commercial Chassis Generator - 2 questions

[Jean-Marc Dugas]

I have the original generator in my 54XL.

Question 1:

If I measure the amps it produces with the engine at 1,500 rpm with no load and then under max load, how many amps should I read in both situations?

I believe that the original generator was rated at 140 amps.

Question 2:
If I understand the Superior wiring schematic correctly, the wire gauge leaving the generator heading to the Cole-Hersey switch should be 2 gage, correct? Right now it is, I would guess less than half the size of the other battery wires.

Thanks.

 

[John ED Renstrom]

Never see one that heavy coming off the aulternator. A #6 would be heavy enough for the charge wire. The diagram shows heavy wire going into the switch but light wire coming out out to the starter but there are all labled the same. One would think the cable going to the starter would be as heave as the battery cables. I was told the big alternators were 100 amp.

 

[Paul Steinberg]

You are correct that the Delcotron Alternator puts out 140 amps. The original cables from the battery to the Cole Hersee switch are supposed to be #00 copper battery cables, and are longer than 10 feet. The same goes for wiring the mechanical siren. The more strands inside the wire bundle, the better the transmission of the current. From the center terminal of the Cole Hersee switch, the wire goes directly to the starter solenoid. To find the proper weight terminals, you might have to source them from a tractor-truck repair shop. I still have my crimper, but I am out of terminals.
I would also recommend that you try to find the Cole Hersee switch that has the pilot light terminals built into it. That particular switch was made in a few different configurations, and one had a key switch that required the key to be inserted into the center of the switch before it could be turned.
When working on the vehicle, always make sure to disconnect both terminals from the battery, disconnecting the negative terminal first.

Cole Hersee Installation Instructions: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BBUAAeSwKq1oFkts/s-l1600.webp