1 wire conversion?

[layedout72]

has anyone done this? im to the point where I just need my truck running and driveable. Nothing seems to be working, and this may be my last resort.

[mrsnicks]

The search function is your friend.


http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 02&start=0


Patrick

[spartman]

I have taken a regular 3 wire GM alternator and made it into a 1 wire quite easily.

Simply get the plug from either a donor vehicle or from NAPA and hook the bigger red wire up to the output post on the alternator.

Then hook your power from the battery to the output of the alt.

If you need to add a diode between the battery and the other line.

This might help a little better. I know its talking about tractors but the principle is the same:

10-SI Wiring Instructions:

The 10-SI alternator has three terminals, however only two of them get connected to the tractor. (Thus, the 10-SI is sometimes referred to as a two-wire or three-wire alternator)

* The “Batâ€

[spartman]

This could help ya too.

http://www.ranchwagon.com/tech/alt/alt.htm

[spartman]

More info

WIRING DIAGRAM:

Install a red 10 gauge wire with a crimp on ring connector from the battery post terminal on the alternator to the positive post on the battery. I used a new red GM Positive battery cable with an extra attached 10 gage wire. A 10 gage wire from the battery post terminal on the alternator to the positive battery cable side of the starter relay will also work. It's just that the GM battery cable has this extra wire and makes for a neater installation. I shortened the GM battery cable and soldered on a new end connector. Get a metric nut to attach the ring connector to the battery post on the alternator. I think next time I'll just run a 10 gage wire from the alternator battery post over to the starter relay.

The Delco GM alternator connector is keyed to fit and will only plug into the alternator one way (the right way). It has two 18 gage leads, a white one (blue on the wiring diagram) , with solder less crimp connector installed and a red lead about three inches long with a ring connector. The red wire with ring connector connects to the battery post on the alternator, (same post as the 10 gage wire running to the positive battery post). The other wire (mine is white), connects to the ALT light. From the white lead on the alternator plug in connector, run a 18 gage wire under the battery box, up and across the radiator core support and crimp connect it to the 18 gage green with brown stripe alternator charging lamp indicator wire from the bulkhead connector. This circuit operates the alternator charging lamp indicator. The alternator will work fine with out the charging lamp connected. I prefer to connect this circuit and use an ALT light. The green wire with brown stripe is paired with an 18 gage yellow wire that connects to the horn relay. The yellow wire on the alternator diagram is not used in this application.

[heep70]

I have done the one wire conversion. Pretty simple thing to do. Also check out the people that have done the 3 wire conversion.

[layedout72]

How do these mount up? I have heard you have to do a little work on mounting them. Do you have to make new brackets or what?

I'm still not sure what I am going to use, but a 1 wire sure would clean things up!

[fordman]

i think the alt will just bolt right on without any mods. i think.

[Thunderfoot]

You can convert the one you have with this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... R40QQfviZ1 the only thing is there is always a small drain when powered off so if you don't run it for a while the battery could be drained dead...
Here is one all mounted... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... %26fvi%3D1

Here is a good link where a guy shows what is needed to mount a GM alternator in a Ford http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/GMAlternatorInAFord.htm pretty easy

[basketcase0302]

Thunderfoot,

That's one cool alternator!

I had a "one-wire" on my 302, (my old 76' Bronco/swampbuggy).

I did have to weld another bracket/bar to hold the alternator "ear".

If I'm remembering right, there were two different "one-wire" case options that had different "ear" locations?

I still have the mount, (it's in storage or I'd take a picture of it to help).

Jeff

[heep70]

I built brackets for my 460 to install the one-wire, but that is me. I like building my own stuff.