Alternator Rotation Direction

[philotterburn]

Hi to all, I am pleased to join your group. I am a new e-type owner, but a long term MG owner. My e-type is 1970 series 2 FHC 4.2L US import LHD which I am converting to RHD. The car was fitted with Air Conditioning which I am removing due to it being stated in some provenance documents I received with the car that it was not working as far back as 2002. Cars with air con. fitted had the alternator mounted back to front at the end of the cylinder head as opposed to the right hand of the engine looking from the front. I have purchased the standard alternator bracket from SNG Barratt & will mount the alternator at the side of the engine, however this means the alternator will now be rotating in the opposite direction. Do I need a new alternator or are they bi-directional & it will still work reversed?

Thanks Phil

[ralphr1780]

Welcome Phil,
The alternator will work both ways.
However, the alternator cooling fan will work opposite...sucking air from the back, hence an aluminium shield protecting from the exhaust headers heat would be highly recommended.
We love pics here, please do poste some!

[philotterburn]

Hi Ralph, thanks for your reply, I have just been spinning the alternator with my multi-meter connected on AC voltage setting & get the same output in both directions, so had come to the same conclusion. I am not sure how to post photos, I will do some after checking out the forum protocols. Thanks Phil

[mgcjag]

Hi Phill not sure if your aware but your alternator should also have more output as it powers the air conditioning....think its 60 or 65amp.....not sure if the control unit is the same but just so you note that your electrics as an AC car if you need to order parts... have a check and see if the fan belt is the same as non ac cars as i think maybe your pulley wheel could be different.... Steve

[philotterburn]

Hi Steve, yes the pulleys are different & do not line up after changing the support bracket & alternator position. I am sourcing them at present from a friend who ships cars & parts from USA, not buying new as they are a ridiculous price. I am also changing from twin Stromberg carbs to triple SU carbs as well. All the extra kit that was bolted to the EX models was due to emission control & now it is removed my workshop looks like a scrap yard. It is also throwing up new problems each step of the way, example the distributor which is model 41322B which has vacuum RETARD as opposed to the standard UK model 41060A which has a vacuum ADVANCE. I will post a technical question on the forum for this later. Interestingly I also own a 1969 MGC GT & a 1954 MGTF I am a long term MG man although I have had 6 Jaguars previously this is my first E-Type. Thanks Phil