50DN - Oil cooled generator to air cooled??

[Jinxie]

1977 MC8 with an 8v71 4spd
The original generator is an oil cooled belt driven unit. I need a replacement because the shaft/pulley splines are worn. I went to remove a unit from a used bus at a wrecking yard, but it was an air cooled unit to my surprise. I didnt realize they even made air cooled units.....Ive always seen the oil cooled models on buses. So looks like a regular alternator, but larger. I checked my service and parts manuals and they have the air cooled info in there as well.
So my question is......which one is better?  Why was there an option? For my use would the air cooled model be OK? I can grab all the necessary brackets to convert mine. It looks like they use the same voltage regulator as well. Does anyone know if the Amperage differs between the 2? I only require the generator to charge the starting batteries.
Thoughts??

[luvrbus]

Eagle buses all ways used the 50d air cooled belt drive,you gain a few more amps with a oil cooled 50D over the air cooled is the only difference 

[Jinxie]

Is 1 more reliable than the other?
Better options to rebuild or parts availability?
One advantage I see is getting rid of the external oil lines and drain line on the oil cooled unit. Boy what a mess and disaster if 1 of those lines ever let go!
Bus might see 1000miles a summer.....might!!?

[luvrbus]

Is 1 more reliable than the other?
Better options to rebuild or parts availability?
One advantage I see is getting rid of the external oil lines and drain line on the oil cooled unit. Boy what a mess and disaster if 1 of those lines ever let go!
Bus might see 1000miles a summer.....might!!?

I converted my MCI 8 over to air cooled it was never a problem, my Eagle with the air cooled never had a problem with the air cooled in the 15 years I owned it,on my 8 I also did away the Gram air activated rely I got tired of buying belts,only difference was the alternator started charging when you started the engine   

[buswarrior]

Both my old 75 MC8, and the 75 parts bus had air cooled.

The air intake was fitted with an air filter, circular with a plate and a wingnut, same as an old car.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Ed Hackenbruch]

My 68 5A had an air cooled.