I'm trying to decide between the 10si and the 12si GM delco alt. I would love to be able to pocket a chrome 1 wire alt (and use it because I'm a little confused after reading every thing on how to convert a 2 and 3 wire alternator. scenario 1 : buy cheap 10si alt and then hook up large battery cable to the bat post....take the number 2 spade terminal and connect it to the bat term also scenario 2 : same as above, however taking the number 1 postand tie it into the volt meter i've got Eithe sound correct? Or should I just bite the wallett and by the 1 wire chrome.
Yep the one wire alternators just use the 8 gage or so wire from the Bat post on the alternator to the + post on the battery or the junction box going to the battery. I saw a shiny one that was rated at 120 amps on Skip White's ebay store this afternoon that even with shipping is fair priced. I've always use the regular 10si like off an early 80s Buick park avenue front wheel drive (on top and easy to reach at the junk yard) and ran the diode in the exciter wire. But I'm referred to as being cheap by my buddies. Shiny and fresh is good though.
it's really easy, 10 si (12 is too big), 10 gauge wire from the battery to the "bat" post on the back of the alt. get a new plug from pep boys, #2 goes the "bat" post on back of alt and #1 goes to the warning light or diode to the ignition switch.
You can get a 1-wire conversion kit from Summit for like $25 to convert a typical 10si over to a 1-wire version. Really easy to install.
On a stock alternator the field needs power to excite it, but it must be switched off or the motor will continue to run. This is why the diode was mentioned, but It's unclear to me how or where,,,,,,,,,,, Please elaborate.
Here's some good info: DELCO REMY models 10SI & 12SI alternators http://madelectrical.com/electricaltech/delcoremy.shtml 1-wire vs. 3-wire alternators http://madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml
Don't forget to install an inline fusible link in that 10 or 8 (I prefer 8) gauge wire. You can get them from any automotive electrical vendor.
Here is a good thread on the HAMB( http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=358944)that talks about how to wire a 3 wire alternator VS a one wire.I think that the 3 wire setup is much better than the 1 wire because the charging rate is controlled depending on the demand on the system plus the alternator will charge as soon as the engine is started without having to reach a higher rpm.You can use a resistor and diode to eliminate the charge warning light. Definitely worth the extra effort.
I'm alternator poor, a couple are chrome 1 wires, a couple not chrome. Which one do ya want? I know I should sell this stuff to fund my overhaul. If you got 2 or 3 wire in your pocket someone will get you a diagram I'm sure. Did you finally get a legal separation for your engine and ******, maybe they now have a vegas divorce?
I'd love one of the chrome 1 wires. I finally got the engine and ****** seperated. Here's what I've got doen so far. I've taken the ****** loose from the bellhousing and the housing is soaking. The ****** is sitting in the floor with degreaser all over it. I've got the starter off and replaced with a new one, the generator off and for sale, motor mounts removed/sanded/cleaned and painted, the alternator brackets off/sanded/cleaned and painted, the fan off, the fan pulley off, the crank pulley off, the timing cover off, and the block is sprayed down again with cleaner...trying to decide if I want to take all the extra time and run all of the bolts over the polisher or just buy new bolts to put in it. Several other little things done. My biggest hang up is my own mental stalling about putting everything back together. That would be why the distributor hasn't come out yet.
Pull the damned thing out. If you can't figure it out when it comes time call me I'll walk you through it. It doesn't matter what shift your working, I haven't slept through the night in a very long time. You are making too much progress, I was proud that I almost goy my olds pulled apart. Now I'm thinking I'm a slouch. PM me later I'll try and get you hooked up.
I've got the engine sitting on a stand right now. See, that's the way i like to hear things "just pull the damn thing out"...my kind of philosophy. That's what my wife said last night (about the distributor - that didn't exactly come out right did it)...she said just to pull that "dizzy thing out and then one of my old man friends on here could help me put it back in". That's what she calls the forum "she calls it the old man facebook"...at least she is now talking about cars and feigning a little interest. I'll shout at ya in a few ******. thanks.
OK I'm going to make sleep for a bit so I may no get right back to ya. But I will in time. Old man facebook, I guess that's OK as long as she's not a boomer basher.
no, she's not a basher. she has learned and had respect for our vets and others ingrained in her since she was a baby. she's a good girl. thanks ******, I'll give a shout in a little bit. I'm at work today (mondays **** in the emergency room). talk to you soon.