Hello All...Well, one thing I didn't learn in college was electricity..Having lots of problems..What I need to know is where do the three wires go from the alternator..What about a diode??? does it need one someplace..Should I just go get a single wire alternator.. Thanks Duane..
Try this link The've been a big help though I don't think they're still in business........http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml
They still are in business...I talked to Mark the other day...it takes a while to get him on the phone but when you do he will answer all your questions...the tech articles helped answer all my questions.
I believe the diode is supposed to point toward the alternator, like this: alt -|<--- ign[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT] Works like a 1 way valve, keeps the car from running after turning the key back. 1N5401 or similar should do it. (That one's rated for 3 amps, I think. Bigger won't hurt.) [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT] I always thought you needed a resistor (or lamp) as a load in addition to the diode. Something to give an initial 'pull' on the system to get the alternator going. Might depend on the alternator or diode you use ('Zener' diodes drop voltage, so if I understand ohm's law that must mean they act as a load, right?). As for the resistor I'm told 10ohm 10 watt should do it. Everything goes in series on that ignition wire. I'm not using a dash light, but I'm guessing that means the wire runs from the alternator through the diode (bar side toward alt), up to the dash light (or through the resistor), then to the ignition terminal. Or maybe it makes sense to put the diode after the lamp/resistor, between the ignition switch. I'm not totally sure but it should work both ways. My understanding of this stuff it pretty rudimentary but I get by ok...
If you don't want to mess with wiring in a diode or idiot light you can swap the regulator to convert it to a one wire alternator. Transpo Electronics, www.transpo-usa.com makes a nice self energizing regulator that kicks in at a much lower rpm than the automotive one wire alternators. It's designed for tractor and agricultural use. The company doesn't sell direct, but there's a list of suppliers on the web site. I just bought one for my Delco. It was PN D10SE12 and ran about $20 with shipping. Takes less than 10 minutes to swap it out. Once the new regulator is in you put a jumper wire from the #2 terminal to the battery post on the alternator and you're done.
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