reverse altenator

[georgenewman1]

do alternators run in reverse as i have had to re route my steering column, and cannot fit it on the right of the engine, i was instead thinking of mounting it in front of the engine to the left, any ideas greatly recived, cheers

[HandyAndy]

what engine are you installing?

andy

[georgenewman1]

1.6 pinto with a type 9 box

[HandyAndy]

i think the "book car" was built using a pinto, & yes the alternator needed moving slightly, would the alternator bracket that is detailed in the book not give you the clearance you need?
Also if it helps.... Ash g is using the same engine as yourself & he,s just finished his engine installation, maybe he,ll be along soon to offer his help/experience .
cheers
andy

[georgenewman1]

basically because i have big feet i had to run the column over the top of the pedal box instead of through it, and i have used a different rack, so this means tha the column drops quicker and has to pull in tighter to the engine, hence the alternator has no room left :(

on the left hand side if it is mounted by the side of the engine it will protrude through the body work, also no good, so either need a tiny alternator, or mount it infront of the engine. there seems to be plenty of room between it and the rad so thats what gave me the idea....

[HandyAndy]

oh ok, i understand the need now :D
i remember that forum member "spikehaus" had similar issues with his alternator ( he,s fitted a Ford V6 engine), & he overcame the prob by re siting the alternator further forward as you have suggested, sorry but i can,t remember the thread title that discussed the way he resolved it, maybe send him a PM, i,m sure he,d help with info ;) :)

cheers
andy

[RAYLEE29]

Hi, I dont see why you cant run it backwards as it produces ac current which is then rectified to dc so it should work.
If not there are some jap cars that run the engine backwards so to speak maybe you could get one from one of those.
Ray:)

p.s. a pic of the problem might generate some better solutions

[Land Locked]

The problem I foresee is the fan on the alternator needs to run in a particular direction.

[Spikehaus]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3778905700_c68e55ccdb_m.jpg

I tried it this way and was going to use 2 nr plastic gears to reverse the direction, however I guess it would get a bit noisy. (Better photos are on Year 2 Linky)

[Spikehaus]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/4019939222_70f2050c9f_m.jpg

I ended up doing it this way, but not yet fired up the engine, was saving that for the xmas holidays when I get 7 days to play!