A generator puts out DC (direct current) while an alternator puts out AC (alternating current). Generator has a simpler construction but generates less power. Alternator requires a bridge rectifier made up of diodes (usually 6 of them) to change AC into DC. Alternator makes more electricity for the same size unit. As for the light... there could be a couple of reasons. Lower wattage bulb was probably the cause. And the reason to use a dimmer bulb is that generators usually can't keep charging at idle, so that GEN light would come on at idle. As not to distract the driver too much, the light was dimmer. Those were the days of those dim yellow headlights... dead batteries ;) aahhh, the memories Hope this helps Tom Niemczewski vin 6149 (in Poland!) Google earth: 52°25'17.30"N 21° 1'58.00"E dmctom@xxxxxxxxx www.deloreana.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "daviddlasvegas" <daviddlasvegas@xxxxxxxxx> To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 1:12 AM Subject: [DML] What's the difference between ALTERNATOR and GENERATOR > Continuing with the car electrical comments ... > > Cars today have documentation in the manual for "alternators" and the > tell tale light says "ALT" for alternator (or is the symbol of a > battery). > > But I have 2 late 1970s cars in my family, and the tell tale light > says "GEN" for generator. > > Is there a difference between an 'alternator' and a 'generator' or are > the two terms used interchangeably with regard to cars? > > Also here is a question I get no one can answer... > > While not the case on the DMC, GM cars from the 1970s-80s had "GEN" > tell tale lights. If you turned the key into accessory mode, all the > tell tale lights illuminated. But the "GEN" light was always dimmer > than the others. Why was it dimmer? > > > > To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: > moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx > > For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see > www.dmcnews.com > > To search the archives or view files, log in at > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/