I have a 1959 Ford galaxie 500 with a 312 yblock in it. I went to convert it to a modern alternator and I got a 3 wire alternator the alternator has an internal regulator so I want to get rid of the external one. There's the main battery terminal, a ground terminal, and a 1 and 2 terminal. I read to make a jumper from the 2 terminal to the main battery terminal and run a wire from the 1 term. To the gen light and switch. I did that and it wasn't charging one bit. So I thought it may be the alternator. I took it back to the parts store and had it tested and they said it was good but gave me another one anyway. When I got this one home I started thinking about what to do so I started testing things. I found that the 1 terminal is grounded to the alternator body and I don't see how that makes too much sense to me but I don't know. Through this long winded post I guess what I'm asking is if anybody knows what the heck to do. Any help would be appreciated.
The 3 wire is the way to go, don't do the 1 wire conversion. If you don't get an answer here, try the Ford Barn or yblocksforever. The conversions sold by the tbird guys include instructions on how to move the connections at the voltage regulator, and keep most of the stock wiring in place. It's been almost 20 years since I did one, I just don't remember the details.
The 3d wire goes to the Alt light or Gen light. It must be wired to get juice when the key is on but not when it is off. Hard to explain, but if you can find a wiring diagram it is pretty simple. Try a Google search.
someone here will answer this - but, you should get a copy of booklet "How to Wire Your Streetrod From Start to Finish " by Jack Sweeden from speedwaymotors.com, and others - do not let ***le scare you away
Right that's what I thought but it didn't charge like that. That terminal that is supposed to go to the gen light has continuity between it and the ground on the alternator. I think it's supposed to cancel out the 12v going to the light to make it turn off
In the original wiring harness the gen light (alt light) is only on when the key is on. I forget if it is ground or hot. You can get the same deal by splicing a diode in the wire. Like I said, I am hazy on the details but this has been done a million times and there are diagrams and descriptions on the net.
Many times an alternator will self energize with just a wire from the #2 terminal to the battery terminal if you rev it to around 3k. If not then put a short jumper with a female spade terminal onto the #1 terminal and just momentarily touch the battery terminal. This will energize the alternator and it will keep charging till the engine is stopped. Put a volt meter on the battery to get a true reading rather than going through the wiring system and factory gauge. If no meter then touch the rear bearing with your knife (non stainless) or a hacksaw blade; if it sticks to the bearing it's charging.
Get the book recommended above, in post #4. Or, find a suitable diagram via an internet search. It isn't difficult, but it must be correct. Ray
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