which car/truck had a 1 wire alt? Going junkyard hunting...

John_PA · Feb 24, 2009

I'm looking to put a 1 wire alt on my Farmall C, and was planning on doing some junkyard hunting. does anyone know a car that would have a 1 wire alternator? I am pretty sure the junkyard I am going to has a wide assortment of stuff from the 70s up to the current year. A lot of 1980's stuff for sure...

I was planning on just popping hoods on stuff until I find one, but that could take me all day.

Thanks
John

Bob M · Feb 24, 2009

John - To my knowledge there are NO American cars/light trucks ever originally equipped with a 1-wire alternator. I've only run across 1- wires in certain OEM marine applications (Mercruiser, etc). And I've seen a few in construction/industrial applications - air compressors, fork lifts, etc.

My recommendation is to get and wire up a 3-wire alternator. It actually involves running only ONE extra wire, plus a warning light or a 99 cent diode. They're inexpensive, available everywhere and they work great!

old · Feb 24, 2009

I agree with Bob. Shoot you can buy an life time warranty alternator from O'reilly's for $35 plus a $10 core. Last time I checked at a junk yard they wanted $35 for a used alternator with a 90 day warranty. Plus most 1 wires alternators will drain your battery if you don't use it much and take 2000rpm to excite
Hobby farm

magman · Feb 24, 2009

Hey BOB do you have a pic anywhere of this cheap .99 cent diode anywhere. I have always used the 194 bulb and sockets from old cars Just because I like to see when the bulb is on or not, LOL
JON

John_PA · Feb 24, 2009

That's what I was thinking, but read somewhere that someone got a 1 wire from a junkyard.

So, I wasn't sure.

Anyhow, I probably will go get a 3 wire. It looks like the alt and VR from a 1980 ford pick up truck is pretty cheap. $35 for the alt and $14 for the VR.

Doug Steinbach · Feb 24, 2009

Definately use a 3 wire alternator. They will output at low RPMS, they are internally regulated, and very easy to hook-up. I just put one on my F14 that I added electric start to.

If you need some help holler.

old · Feb 24, 2009

Delco 10SI is the best and cheapest way to go. Internal VR so it takes less wiring to hook up and as I said in my other post they are cheap. Just ask for one from a 1980 Chev pick up no power any thing and you can buy them for $35-50 depending on if you have a core. I use them all the time and they work real good and are easy to wire up.

Bob M · Feb 24, 2009

Jon - I prefer the lamp too. It warns instantly should the alternator quit or if the fan belt breaks. (Peace of mind for me when others runs my tractors....)

Anyway punch below for an image of a diode that works well. Actual price is THREE diodes for 99 cents(!)
1N4004 diode

Idaho Ron · Feb 24, 2009

I have a 1 wire alternator on my SC, It charges at a idle. I have been using it for almost 2 years and no troubles at all. Ron

Janicholson · Feb 24, 2009

Do not go there. They work, but wiring is not simple. Internal regulator 10SI delco, or Hitachi from a nissan PU from mid 80s will be a fine performer. 50 or so rebuilt. And smaller than a 10SI. JimN

GA Dave · Feb 24, 2009

You might want to read this in case you go with the three wire. David.............

http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint131.htm

charles todd · Feb 25, 2009

There is much love/hate for the 1-wire SI10 alternator. I personally like them for the simplicity, even though wiring a 3-wire SI10 is easy too. I can count 4 or 5 we have on equipment and have never had discharge issues or failures with them. If the equipment is a slower RPM engine just use a smaller alt pulley to make the nessceary 1500-2000 rpm plus to "excite" the alternator. If cost is an issue, a 3-wire is marginaly cheaper than a 1-wire, you pay for convinence.

Good luck,

Charles

tcanthonyii · Feb 25, 2009

I always hear about this charging at idle issue but my 10si seems to charge idle just fine. Could be the pulley combination but I'm using all stock.

T.C.

which car/truck had a 1 wire alt? Going junkyard hunting...

John_PA

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Bob M

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old

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magman

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John_PA

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Doug Steinbach

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old

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Bob M

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Idaho Ron

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Janicholson

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GA Dave

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charles todd

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tcanthonyii

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