Alternator recommendation, radiator?

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

1. I'm tired of messing with the generator on my Sprite 1962 engine. Has any one got a recommendation for an alternator to replace it?

 

2. Is there a source of radiators that tell you the dimensions, rather than asking for your make/model so you can find one that fits? Particularly, one that adds some cooling capacity to make up the difference between U.K. ambient and Florida ambient?

 

Many thanks in advance.

[MV8]

Nothing directly interchanges but you can have your copper-brass radiator cleaned by a radiator shop or do it yourself to a degree.

The radiator you have should be adequate for 43hp but as with all radiators, sediment builds up over the years and they require periodic flushing. Radiator shops are now rare (due to epa on the cleaning tanks and cheap oem and China plastic-aluminum rads) and subsequently very expensive. It may be cheaper to buy a new aluminum rad from caterham.

 

Cleaning removes crud and often results in pin-hole leaks. If there are many, it will require a new core but the tanks can be reused.

Is you cooling fan working and in good condition? Under what conditions does it overheat? Thermostat opening fully? Good temp gauge?

 

How about some pics of your engine bay and radiator?

 

There are many things that can be done to improve cooling. I'd start with a commercial flush, drive a few times and reflush. Use thermocure if the inside of the block has scale rust.

 

I'd fit a standard output, vbelt GM 12SI alternator (typical 83-90 GM) with internal regulator. You can find new or rebuilt on ebay with no core charge.

A reman 12SI 78 amp for $65: https://www.ebay.com/itm/285134192551?epid=79114327&hash=item4263527fa7:g:J5gAAOSw5EZj3YCc&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4Ez3VWrmjEEr6VEMPQJcis%2BVHFv6i1%2B4YsJDGlCzVJgpysUdXs1MlgFzdGhuA0hi3WhPmftq7qFocMftXJ1%2FnHSbcMjqm8zY4mMqe9utwCm9%2FSdyyVpBO4ayG24n6cLXEdYypr6buH5EceGfTj%2FYSwsxQcrAKXclbcOAyDu3rltpSuAimOrXr6KbQyN5895GGl6102yuS0yDOKrN5gdoeh0%2FsbtRDFMatKkuFEkjnQ0y2V%2F4iGeWC%2FxDmsp%2B5vNqI%2BEfQiXtRNw%2BMVRDZ4xDB9gMjZ%2FdUBMpOoGFqQnuTmZf|tkp%3ABk9SR6z4hIaGYg

A 10SI/12SI two wire plug for $9: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275585019973?hash=item402a25b045:g:bZAAAOSwnaVe5Ozh&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4IEk4Ek0PVYl5i7KPYsBIUW43ZDrr77cjuzpGf31IqKoQEndB6dnmNcP6ZNBeTQHuyQH93GKE%2FyXOmtN4D5CV0dF0In55FQOfbkq6oHtCqmy90C%2Fgz%2BwNZN5AYY2qSvSSKdQDCCLVEamhSNnTWV2ep1LOwve9xruOmypbGHkm0PNGijjXUXEZ3cJZucrC5ziW672YkrjQqW84x45ezob2lK2%2FW3g03s5UGvNt7tZU4s3O5xtYS9MwqcI7NvKxEeQaQqQHwVSr52rUC3LIOktwqJwuVa2xtuspN7bLKKSOQ2q|tkp%3ABk9SR468ioaGYg

 

You could go a little newer with a CS type for a smaller case and around the same cost, but more sensitive to failure from getting jumped off. The high output versions need to have the car wiring upgraded to cope with the potential output of a lot more amps.

Edited May 18, 2023 by MV8

[anduril3019]

If you're looking to stay original-ish, WOSP Performance, and a few others, make an alternator housed inside a Lucas generator case. Available from Moss and most of the Spridget specialists. Not the cheapest route but good looking.

[jbcollier]

The alternators disguised to look like generators are usually rated at 40 amps, more than up to the job for a classic Lotus/Caterham Seven.  If you have heated seats and headlights that bore holes though most metals, not so much.  Then go with a HO option as suggested above.

 

Overheating/running hot can cover a lot of ground.  First double check your gauge and make sure it is reasonably indicating the actual engine temperature.  Next make sure your thermostat isn’t rated at 190F/88C and is opening properly.  Just note the gauge reading when it opens (you feel a surge of hot water at the rad).  Given your location, I would recommend a 160F/71C thermostat.

 

Once that is all settled, you can start diagnosing in earnest.  Good idea to have the rad checked, these cars haven’t been young fir a long, long time.  Don’t forget to use proper antifreeze.  It not only prevents against freezing, it also raises the coolant’s  boiling temperature, and protects against corrosion.

 

If your car runs hot in traffic but is fine on the open road, air flow through the rad is probably the issue.  Stock fans were barely adequate for cool, moist Jolly Old.  In Florida, they don’t move enough air to do the job.  Fit a fan with wide blades and BIG motor.  I use Spal fans myself but supply is an issue these days.  Just don’t use one of those whiny-sounding fans with lots of thin blades.  They’re a bit too close to useless.

 

Check out the above and let s know how it goes.

[MV8]

https://www.minimania.com/part/MMKT0705/Classic-Mini-Alternator-Conversion-Kit

[jbcollier]

The Lucas alternators and their aftermarket clones are better than the stock generators.  Unfortunately, and unlike their US and European counterparts, they do not like to give full output for very long.  If you jump a car with a low battery and attempt to charge it using the alternator, it will pop a main diode.

 

The Lucas alt is a good replacement for a generator equipped vehicle.  Brackets to do so are readily available and the wiring is simple.   But, if you have heated seats and 300w headlights, go with a different alternator.

[inchoate]

12 hours ago, MV8 said:

https://www.minimania.com/part/MMKT0705/Classic-Mini-Alternator-Conversion-Kit

 

that brings back memories.

 

one of the better things i did to my mini.

[IamScotticus]

Search the MG/AH forums.

they must be the BMC experts 

Edited May 25, 2023 by IamScotticus

[oilteq]

These guys make custom radiators. I had them make a long filler neck for a previous 7.  It was very reasonably priced and they were good to deal with.

https://www.griffinrad.com/

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Many thanks for bunches of helpful replies. You guys are great at supporting a beginner. The slip covers are complete and on the old upholstery, an alternator is on order, and now I can move to figuring out the tachometer and the idle adjustment. It's a beautiful 72 degree sunny day, so a cruise is definitely called for.

[IamScotticus]

You're a beginner?

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Yep. Beginner, but learning with your help.

 

AWWWLLRRRIGGHT!!  New paint, rough like the original. Replaced the generator with an alternator, 14.45 V at idle speed - now I can ride with my headlights on. New leather straps, new red slip covers over the 1962 upholstery. Soaked the cooling system in vinegar for 24 hours. Extended the roll bar to cover both seats. Annnndd, mysteriously, she now idles where she should. It's a gorgeous 75 degree sunny day in north Florida, and I'm going for a ride. 

 

I'm sorry, but I can't figure out how to flip the photo.  I even tried flipping the file before , and it still puts it in upside down.

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Sorry, duplicate 

Edited May 27, 2023 by Timothy Keith-Lucas
duplicate

[IamScotticus]

Yea, you're new to this 

 

[JohnCh]

2 hours ago, Timothy Keith-Lucas said:

I'm sorry, but I can't figure out how to flip the photo.  I even tried flipping the file before , and it still puts it in upside down.

 

See help topic here:  

 

I'm looking forward to hearing how the drive went today.

 

Cheers,

John

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Thank you, John. I choose the curviest roads in the area, which are few and far between in an area where two mile straight-aways and three foot changes in elevation are the norm. She doesn't scare me any more, so I opened her up with 4,800 RPM shifts as near as I can tell (the tach still needs work). What a joy! I came back through the little village of Carrabelle, crowded today with Memorial Day tourists and their boats, and turned some heads. The Seven doesn't reach the lug nuts on the usual Ford F150 and F250 trucks pulling boats, but those drivers are thrilled to see someone actually getting to drive.  Lots of thumbs up and waves. Tomorrow should also be good for driving, so I have a longer trip in mind.  No car shows until September - it's too hot here during the summer. Then we'll take both the Seven and my wife's 1924 Model T to a very friendly and casual show north of here. Lisa is busy in the garage bay next to the Seven refinishing the block and head on her T. She's finding lots of really bad work done by some previous owner. Things like an off center and smashed exhaust manifold gasket.  It should be spinning like a top by September.