ModMech
Platinum Member
There is NO change in the wiring for gauges or other electrical LOADS when using a "one wire" alternator in place of a Gen/Alt with more.
The ONLY wire you attach to the alternator is the wire leading to B+ (battery positive), the ground goes thru the engine and associated brackets. No other wires are used or needed, as far as the alternator is concerned.
All "loads" are generally switched thru the ignition circuit so they are only "on" with the key on. In this way, they do not draw ANY current with the engine off and that battery stays charged for a very long time.
The one wire Delco does draw a *very* small current, yes milliamps, FAR less than a typical modern car or truck so the battery drain is generally not anything to be concerned about.
The one wires do have a "cut-in" RPM but that is not a fixed alternator shaft RPM, it varies somewhat from one alternator to another (models now). An alternator DOES need to be spun faster than a generaator of similar output, that is why the pullies are smaller diameter on an alternator and should be in a conversion as well. Generally, you never want an alternator so spin more than 10,000 rpm, some modern ones 13,000.
If the engine spins 2500, the alternator pulley should be 1/4th the diameter of the crank pulley, or a little LARGER to keep your speed right. This will spin the alternator at 2,000 RPM at IDLE!
The ONLY wire you attach to the alternator is the wire leading to B+ (battery positive), the ground goes thru the engine and associated brackets. No other wires are used or needed, as far as the alternator is concerned.
All "loads" are generally switched thru the ignition circuit so they are only "on" with the key on. In this way, they do not draw ANY current with the engine off and that battery stays charged for a very long time.
The one wire Delco does draw a *very* small current, yes milliamps, FAR less than a typical modern car or truck so the battery drain is generally not anything to be concerned about.
The one wires do have a "cut-in" RPM but that is not a fixed alternator shaft RPM, it varies somewhat from one alternator to another (models now). An alternator DOES need to be spun faster than a generaator of similar output, that is why the pullies are smaller diameter on an alternator and should be in a conversion as well. Generally, you never want an alternator so spin more than 10,000 rpm, some modern ones 13,000.
If the engine spins 2500, the alternator pulley should be 1/4th the diameter of the crank pulley, or a little LARGER to keep your speed right. This will spin the alternator at 2,000 RPM at IDLE!
