1 Wire Alternator? Hmmm... Worth It?

[uglytruk]

The wiring on my '84 Blazer/6.2 is really hacked. The alt wasn't charging, so I brought it to the local hack Starter shop, and he said he could easily modify my "metric" 97 amp alt to a "1 wire". I said I thought they had a high cut in, and for snow plowing, the K5's primary purpose, the high cut in wouldn't be the best bet.

Nevertheless, he told me NOT to connect the plug, which was a hacked bunch of wires. So when I finally got the large bolt-on rear wire repaired, and started it up, I was right. The alt doesn't cut in until prob 1000 RPM. Then the needle dives for 15 volts. I just did it at lunch time today, but even with the hi beams, heater, wipers on full, it seems to stay in the (innacurate) charge zone.

So is the only disadvantage to the 1 wire just that it has to be revved to start charging? How does it work? There is still the two prongs where I COULD plug in. I just taped the plug over, no by-pass or jumper wires.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CORVAIRWILD

 

[wasted wages]

It's what i have on my truggy,,,,simple one wire hook up,,less things to go wrong...

 

[rcamacho]

There are some downsides to a one wire setup in regards to voltage regulation over distance. I prefer a 3-wire CS144 vs. a one wire alternator. Madd has a good technical write up on the downsides:
http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

 

[ryoken]

yup, not a fan of 1 wire... simpler isn't always better...

 

[twoslo4five0]

i used to run a one wire on my mustang.i ahd no issues with and actaully have thought about running one on my truck...the only thing i didnt like was in the morning id have to hit the gas a lil to get it charging but that was it

 

[wasted wages]

simpler isn't always better...

gotta disagree here...on a truggy,, parts left off cost nothing and cause no problems off road. I WANT the most simple setup...

 

[uglytruk]

Here'a a few crappy pix... and a vid from today... 6" snow...

http://www.youtube.com/user/CORVAIRWILD

 

[ryoken]

gotta disagree here...on a truggy,, parts left off cost nothing and cause no problems off road. I WANT the most simple setup...

not to split hairs, but I'm not sure most people understand what a 1-wire alternator is composed of.. It may SEEM simpler, when in reality, the unit is more complicated and has an extra fail point.. the rpm sensor...

I'm all about simple and bulletproof, but having to goose a motor to 1000 to 1500 to activate the sensor is not what I want on an offroad rig... I'll take a 3-wire anyday...

 

[lectric80]

When I was in the electrical shop, the only time we would recommend a one wire setup is on something like a truggy, or piece of equipment. For a street driven vehicle, the downsides to the system outweigh the advantages. For a truggy or similiar, a converted three wire with no RPM sensor was very easy to do and use. They also tend to wear brushes faster, IME.

 

[uglytruk]

Not splitting hairs at all. I knew nothing 'bout 'em till I ended up with one! At some point I'll install another wiring harness from a parts truck, and return it to ALL GM!