How many amps can a 6v 2 brush 32e safely put out?

[51Hog]

I am sure this has been covered before but cannot find it with the search function.
I am converting my 6v 32e from 3 to 2 brush.
New armature and field coils along with all new interior parts.

How many amps can I expect the Generator to safely put out before it wants to start melting down?
I would like to run my headlight and parking lights.
Dale

[panhead]

here are some posts from the KB:

3 brush to 2 brush generator conversion

32E 6V 2 brush conversion

Converting the Harley Davidson Model 32E generator

[51Hog]

Thanks Panhead---
I had already found and read those posts but they do not answer the question.
Dale

[FlatHeadSix]

Dale,
After the conversion you should have a unit that simulates the model 32E2R 2-brush generator. The best information I've ever seen for the charging systems used before 1952 is in the old knucklehead service manual for the 1940-1947 bikes. The max charge rate for an externaly regulated 2-brush is 11 to 12 amps over the ignition only load (no lights). I'm not sure if this specification is for a plain generator or one with the cooling fan attached to the brush end of the unit. I had to shrink the page to get it to attach, I'll try to get a full size version in the knowledge base and put in a link to it. If I get time I'll put the whole in there, pretty good information.

mike

[51Hog]

I even checked Palmers and I did not see where he talks about the amperage output.

[Frankenstein]

A plain ole 32E will do about 10 amps as a 2 brush. The 32E2R is a different animal than a 32E or a Fan cooled unit. The active part of the armature is as long as the fan unit, which is longer than the 32E. I've got one I'm playing with. I'm going to regulate it at 12 volts and see if I can get it to run a 150watt halogen bulb. I can only get my 32E to do a 100w bulb now. If you see smoke on the eastern Horizon this Spring, you'll know what it was
DD

[51Hog]

32E to do a 100w bulb now. If you see smoke on the eastern Horizon this Spring, you'll know what it was
DD

Is that 100 watts for extended periods? I will be watching towards the south east for smoke on the horizon....LOL
So I should be able to run a 55 watt head light with a tail light and 4 markers all day with no problems?
Dale

[Frankenstein]

Here's the unvarnished truth on converting the 32E to 12 volts. I can run the 100W bulb continuously cruising down the road. In town, I keep it on low beam, 50w. The generator can't quite keep up at idling speeds in town. I just pass through towns, not spend all my time in them, so this hasn't been a problem. And who runs hi beam in town anyway. I would guess from 40-45mph up, the generator is keeping up with the headlight.
My other thoughts on upgrading lighting is going to HID. The price is coming down to around $100-150 for a high-low unit. The gain with HID is more efficiency, more light out front for the same or less watts..
Stay tuned..
By the way,I just read the links about 3 brush to 2 brush conversion, the easiest way to do so is just to substitute 65A fields for the 3 brush fields, and do away with the 3rd brush.
DD

[51Hog]

I am not planning on going 12 volts.
Just dropping the third brush and using the three brush field coils. and staying 6v.
What are the vibrations going to do to the HID lights?

[john HD]

dale

when you get all of your stuff installed on the bike it might not be a bad idea to run a ammeter for a while to see exactly how much current your generator is producing.

i use a cheapie from napa with a simple bracket that i zip tie to the frame or somewhere else that is handy.

john

ps, i survived my bday, your stuff will be on the way shortly...

[Frankenstein]

Interesting comment on HID, I hadn't considered vibration, Not that my bikes vibrate Cars shake some, from the road imperfections. I'll do some web surfin, see what I find out.
Also, Just picked up another junker fan genny on ebay, minus fan shrouds. If any of you gents know of where a fella might find a cheap fan shroud, let me know.
DD

[51Hog]

Well----I have decided that I am now going to go to 12v.
Going to get a Cycle electric Generator and Hopefully a regulator.
Going to start a new thread titled Pros and cons of 12v vs 6v.
Thanks for all of the help and pionters. I will explain my reasons on the new thread.
Dale

[Hauula Pan]

OK I just don't get it, Why drop the 3rd brush and all that? What's wrong with a good three brush system? I've been running mine for almost 30 years and it works just fine, and it worked for almost 30 years before I got it. Simple, reliable, 3 component system, Battery - Gen - Relay, Not much to go wrong there. (If it ain't broke - it don't need fixin).

[51Hog]

Hauula,
There is nothing wrong with the 3 brush system if it serves your purposes.
Even all of the books state that if you run highway speeds with your lights on, that your battery will go dead.
The 3 brush were designed for slower roads.
My three brush has worked wonderfully for 45 years that I know of.----For the application that it was intended----Slow speed minimal amperage.

Dropping the third brush makes it so the generator can charge better at higher rpm.

12v is the same 3 component system. Just different voltage.
Dale