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Alternator One wire to three wire conversion

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Boyde from Bram

12-01-2006 07:19:33

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I have a brand new one wire 10SI alternator. In a previous thread I was informed that it can be converted to a three wire. This forumn has convinced me that a three wire is best. I should have bought a three wire, but at the time I figured a one wire was better.

I am ready to go down the road of converting the alternator to a three wire. It will be fun, I like doing stuff I have not done before.

So the question is. What parts do I need?

Regards
Boyde

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Ford 312

12-02-2006 18:36:42

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Boyde from Brampton, 12-01-2006 07:19:33

I didn't change the regulator, just wired it like a three wire alternator and it works great. At least one other fellow has wired his one wire the same way. If it were me I wouldn't worry about changing the regulator.

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nonac99

12-02-2006 18:02:06

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Boyde from Brampton, 12-01-2006 07:19:33

I believe you should only need the regulator.
They are available at most parts stores but you have to tell them what you need. I what take the regulator out and take it with me to the store for comparison. At least tell them the amperage of the unit you have. Here is a web sight that shows some of the internals of the alternator.

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nonac99

12-02-2006 18:05:18

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to nonac99, 12-02-2006 18:02:06

Oops. Here is the websight.

http://mightymo.org/Proj_OneWire.html

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nonac99

12-02-2006 18:03:41

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to nonac99, 12-02-2006 18:02:06

Oops. Here is the websight.

http://mightymo.org/Proj_OneWire.html

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Ford 312

12-01-2006 17:53:43

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Boyde from Brampton, 12-01-2006 07:19:33

Find a wiring diagram for a three wire alternator and wire your alternator just as if it is a three wire alternator. That is what I did on an 8N Ford and it works great. I didn't change the internal voltage regulator, just the wiring. I used a diode in the wire going to the ignition switch to keep it from feeding back to the coil when the switch is turned off.

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Boyde from Brampton

12-08-2006 10:32:28

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Ford 312, 12-01-2006 17:53:43

Finding a pulley that is wide to fit the belts did prove to be challenging for me. I took my alternator to a auto electric company. First I had a difficult time getting them to uinderstand that i wanted a pulley for a wide belt. Then I had to go through their catalogue. I was getting concerned. I happen to find one on eBay. Ordered it, and went and retrieved my alternator from the Auto Electric place and replaced the pulley myself. (impact gun helps.)

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slideways

12-05-2006 07:59:49

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Ford 312, 12-01-2006 17:53:43

Is there a different part number for the 3 wire to start with.. i want to convert from the generator but if i can save converting a 1 wire to 3 wire that would be good.. im not too good at electrical work..

Thanks

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Bob

12-05-2006 09:01:27

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to slideways, 12-05-2006 07:59:49

The "one-wire" alternators are strictly aftermarket creations, made up and sold for people who don't want to, or are unable do the small amount of additional wiring to use a standard "off-the-shelf" 3-wire alternator.

The Delco alternators of this size were ALWAYS 3-wire units from the factory.

A good way to ask for 3-wire Delco is to specify an alternator for a 1975 to 1985 Chevy pickup.

Specifying "with air conditioning" will get you a 50 or 60 Amp alternator. Specifying "without air conditioning" will probably get you about a 40 Amp unit.

40 Amps is still WAY more than the OEM generator, but and will be more compatible with re-using the original wiring than a 50 or 60 Amp unit. Also, it takes a good belt setup, with lots of "wrap" around the pulley to drive the higher-Amp alternators.

So... your choice which one you ask for.

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slideways

12-05-2006 20:57:41

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Bob, 12-05-2006 09:01:27

Ok so tell me if this is correct:
Me. walks into Napa. "Hi i need to order an alternator for a 1985 Chevy 1500" "Ok you have A/C?" "Nope" "Ok i'll get that ordered"

And that's the right one that just needs a bracket to use? I'm still unclear on the diodes and how to wire them in using the 3 wire one..

Thanks for the help!

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Bob

12-05-2006 21:28:59

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to slideways, 12-05-2006 20:57:41

Sounds good.

Here's how to do the diode thing:

Third Party Image

The diode shown is WAY overkill for this application, but I've never had one fail.

Others use slightly lower rated units commony available from Radio Shack, and report having good luck.

Or, omit the diode, and use an "idiot light" with a #194 bulb, or a bulb of equivalent current draw.

In this application, the diode and "idiot light" are completely interchangeable.

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Bob

12-05-2006 21:31:32

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Bob, 12-05-2006 21:28:59

P.S....

You will need to find an alternator pulley to match the tractor's belt.

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slideways

12-06-2006 09:51:33

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Bob, 12-05-2006 21:31:32

Thanks Bob.. so what is the diode or idiot light really supposed to do? Tell me when its overcharging? I'd probably be better off just putting in a 94 bulb harness in my dash so i can tell if somethings wrong in that case.

A different pulley huh? I wonder what a chore that will be to find? Is the shaft on the alternator just a keyed shaft that i could find a universal pulley at Tractor Supply or what?

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Bob

12-06-2006 14:42:49

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to slideways, 12-06-2006 09:51:33

The "idiot light" works just like the alternator light in your car.

The diode option eliminates having to wire in and mount a light, but you need one or the other to prevent current from feeding OUT of the alternator's #1 terminal and into the ignition circuit, which would cause the engine to continue to run when the ignition switch is turned to the "OFF" position, as well as potentially damaging the alternator's internal voltage regulator or diode trio.

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Bob

12-06-2006 14:45:24

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Bob, 12-06-2006 14:42:49

P.S....

A local automotive electrical shop that repairs alternators will have a pulley. It has just a plain bore, no keyway.

A NAPA or similar place ill have alternator pulleys, or be able to get one overnight.

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slideways

12-07-2006 08:55:01

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Re: Alternator One wire to three wire conversion in reply to Bob, 12-06-2006 14:45:24

Ok sounds good.. i'll just tell them that's what i need and wire it all up..

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