28v Gen work for a M38A1?

[Jason86]

I'm in the market for a M38A1 generator for my jeep to bring it back to 24volt but all I'm finding at the moment is 25amp 28 volt. one is being sold as a core. I hate to buy one of them to find out it won't work on the Jeep or to be told it couldn't be traded in for a rebuilt 24 volt and i also hate to pass it up if it will work to find out later on i cant find one. So my question is will 28 volts generator work on a M38A1 24 volt system? And if not what were they used for?

[wesk]

Jason, When discussing jeep system voltages you need to understand the dual system numbering.

6 Volt, 12 Volt & 24 Volt describe battery nominal voltages.

7 1/2 volt, 14 volt and 28 volt describe the corresponding system operating voltages.

Most folks haven't grasp this yet and continue to describe a battery as 28 volt and a system as 24 volt. It's the other way around.

The 28 volt / 25 amp generators used throughout the M series truck fleet are virtually identical. Some variations are found in terminals and pulleys. Earlier units are less waterproof than later units. But as long as you have the right pulley for your jeep any of them can be made to work in your jeep.

When you post looking for help with a part try to post the part's part number and a photo.

[skyjeep50]

If you are buying a "core" don't expect it to be operational - they are generally for parts or rebuilding only. Look around for a auto electrical repair shop that can work on these older components. It might be a "back street" type of place, not a chain or franchise shop.

[BullRun]

My electric component repair guy of 30+ years won't touch the 24 volt stuff... not because of a lack of skill but because of the hassle in getting parts...

Fortunately there are 24 volt specialists out there.

[chuck]

I have some 24v electrical stuff including generators that were working takeouts.