one wire alts

is it possible to wire a one wire alt into the original external voltage regulator without smoking the whole system. like the low rpm cut in factor of the one wire alternator, but also need the regulated voltage to ignition to keep the engine running smooth, any ideas?????

 

get a 3 wire alternator. They work right, and have a built in regulator.

If you want to use an external regulator, you should probably get an external regulator type alternator, such as used on most GMs from 1963-1972

 

here i'll throw these up (just in case)

 

^ ^ ^ As usual, Squirrel knows best!

 

It's possible to convert, but unless you are doing it to see if you can, just get the alternator you want.

 

Ronk16, The one wire GM alternators have a built in regulator! They work well enough that many thousands are in use with no problems. There is no way to wire one to an external regulator and have it work correctly.
What is the problem that you are encountering that leads you to believe that you need to experiment like this? Maybe we can help you cure it.

~Alden

 

How many has GM put into their production cars?

 

"Regular " alternators are energized by the battery when the key is on. A one wire alternator has to be spun fast enough to energize, then it functions pretty much the same as a "regular" alternator even below the energizing RPM.

 

Waddayacare,"How many has GM put into their production cars?."

None that I know of. Are we talking about a stock production car?
I have had a one wire alternator in my 1949 Cadillac now for about 20 years with no problems.
This is a forum about modified cars using modified equipment.
The one wire GM alternator has been used all around this planet on not only hot rods, but on tractors, boats, or anything else that requires a charging system. They are the standard replacement upgrade for replacing overpriced and inefficient generators.
Evidently there have been some that have had problems with the one wire setup, but that is easily cured with the 3 wire built in regulator and a little extra wiring.

~Alden

 

Nope!

But if 1 wire alternator was the best thing since sliced bread and easier to install which translates to labor and money savings, don't you think GM would use it?

They don't use them because it does not work properly.

 

In what way do they not work properly?

 

Those that dislike the one-wire alts couldn't figure out the instructions!

 

The only production 1 wire units I saw first hand, were the Volvo-White tractors , built in the early 90's. We had 30 of them in our fleet.
For a turn key production p***enger car,..it could be an issue, getting the owners to be sure they initially speed up the engine, to energize it.

4TTRUK

 

That is unfortunate that you must have evidently had a bad experience with one, to have such intense feelings on the subject. Possibly a bad manufacturer or a faulty part, or installation. But, the fact remains that there are many that are in service that work well and do so for a long time.
The original question that was asked is basically,"can you use two regulators in a charging system at one time?". And to that the answer is no.

~Alden

 

Not really....you could remove the regulator from the one wire alternator, and use an external regulator. It would take some effort to figure out where to connect the wires, but it could be done. It would be more sensible to just replace the internal regulator with a normal 3 wire type.

 

The one wire Alternators don't charge very well at low (street) speeds. Power Tour gurus spend many an hour replacing them on the tour, when they have to go through towns and idle about very much. I'd stay away from them unless you're building a show car for looks and not for driving......

 

I could never figure out why people feel that having to run just one wire to the alternator vs three has such appeal . How long can it take to run a couple of wires . However long it takes the result is well worth the effort.

 

If you want to retain "the look" of having a regulator hanging on the firewall or inner fenderwell, you can simply tear the guts out of it, and use it as a junction box for the THREE WIRES coming out of the alternator. Of course you will have two wires on each of the three regulator terminals, one each from the alternator, and one each to their appropriate connection point.

You could also do this with a one wire alternator, but you wouldn't have the benefits of the three wire version.

 

YOU WILL ONLY RUN A 1 WIRE ALTERNATOR, WELL JUST 1 TIME, AND THEN YOU WILL USE A 3 , TIME WILL TELL YA? WHEN,

 

Although there is less wire to look at or hide, I think the biggest reason people use them is simplicity. Being a good fabricatror or mechanic doesn't automatically make you an electrician. A lot of people are intimidated with wiring a conventional alternator. The one with eliminates that issue.

 

I have been running a one wire alternator in my daily driver bird with an external voltage regulator for several years with no problem.

i run the alt wire to the positive post on the battery and extended the wire from the voltage regulator to the positive side of the battery as well.

at idle, the voltage output is pretty low, but it still beats a generator

 

It sounds like you are not using the original voltage regulator for a VR, but as a terminal block for the rest of the electrical system.

~Alden

 

Go HERE ------ > http://madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml

Tell ya the ENTIRE STORY !!!!

....... jersey Skip

 

AMEN, was just about to post that link as well.

 

Because of the added electrical accessories I added I had my one wire converted to a two wire,cost about $15 at local auto electrical shop.This article explains it:http://alternatorparts.com/what_is_a_self_exciting_alternator.htm

 

same argument every time this subject is posted.........get the popcorn

 

I am using a GM style one wire alt on my engine and have no problems with them . They are nice because simple to hook up and less wiring to hide .
If your wiring harness is set up for a different style , then stick with what works best with your set up .
Now if you want to get away from the external regulator then a internal alt will be the way to go . I just prefer a one wire alt for obvious reasons .

Retro Jim

 

The "billet heads" like 1 wire. Less wires under the hood that cover up their worthless ****.

 

Personally I think the delco alternators are junk. When I was in the garage business I probably replaced 100 Delcos for every Ford. The Ford 3G is superior alternator to the delco and just as easy to one wire it yourself. Plus, even the smallest one can make 95 amps at idle and most of the Delco one wires I have seen won't even charge until you gun the engine. Plus you can service the brushes and regulator from the outside on a 3G.
If you want to wire a 3G into your original harness so the idiot light works, go to the FullSizeBronco or mustang forums and there is plenty of info on how to do it.

 

Were you beat up by a one wire alternator??