Technical 1 wire alternator

I am having issues with my generator and thinking about going to 1 wire alternator. How do I do this and not have the generator light stay on all the time?

 

Take the bulb out.

 

LMFAO

I don't remember how to wire a gen light in properly but if you run the hot to the ignition switch/panel the gen light should work the same as when it is charging with the genny.

Edit damnit:
Do not use your stock amp meter if you have one. It will make one helluva fire under the dash.

 

Thanks...hadn't thought of that!

 

If you have a generator light, then why on earth would you want to run a 1 wire alternator instead of a normal 3 wire alternator? Use the generator light as designed....

 

The picture squirrel shows is a typical 10SI or 12SI wiring. If you leave the #1 wire off it's how they are converted to 1 wire. If you want the idiot light it's wired as above. Same alternator, either way.

 

yes....use a three wire alternator and wire in the idiot light as shown in post #5

 

American Autowire has a relay assembly that they sell so you can hook up a 1 wire alternator and have a functioning GEN light.

The relay is set up so that the light will come on if the voltage drops to 11 Amps.

 

Why use parts as designed, when you can spend even more money to get the job done?

 

The generator must have worked OK for over 50 years they must be very iffy. I'll take my chances. True story...in 0ver 60 years of driving the only time my charging system ever left me stranded was when a late model alternator almost burned my truck down.

 

The #2 terminal is voltage sensing, and if that wire is run along with the output cable to the main voltage distribution supply (not the battery) instead of jumping directly to the output , the alternator will perform better, and as designed.

 

I was just providing a solution in the event that somebody already had a 1 wire alternator purchased and ready to use...
Yes, the OP hasn't purchased an alternator yet. But I'm sure others that will eventually read this thread already have.

 

I used a junction block off a 70's GM pickup , which I mounted on the core support. ,( they are mounted on the firewall on the trucks). removed all but the main power feed(thick wire) from the generator feed and routed that to the junction box. I have a remote starter solenoid, so I ran the wire from my alternator to the solenoid positive. I then ran a wire from battery positive to the junction box, and added a voltmeter under the dash, wired to a keyed hot terminal off the fuse box. Has worked well for 10 years. That said, I will be adding a stock alternator,(10si) wired correctly, and will not run a one wire again. My wiring skills, and thinking are much better now then 10 years ago.

 

thanks....had the generator rebuilt and after 3 voltage regulators is now working. If this fails, will go to alternator