3 Wire Alternator Hookup - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CraigS · 06-27-2005, 07:00 PM

Just converted a 1 wire alternator back to 3 wires to get all the amps out of it that I could. It is a 100 amp model. As I understand the hookup, the largest red wire powers the electrical system and runs to the battery, the smaller red wire is an exciter to get the alternator charging after being stopped, and the brown wire is a voltage sensor that should tie to a weak point (+ polarity) somewhere in the system. Is this correct? In my current configuration, I am getting plenty of amps out of the alt and 14.4 volts, but the alternator itself gets too hot to touch. Maybe because I am running electric fans and AC?
A while back someone had a link to a website that explained the charging system on GM vehicles. Anyone remember it?

**hotrodmtodd** · 06-28-2005, 08:27 AM

ttt

**VetteVet** · 07-01-2005, 12:51 AM

Is this the one you are looking for?

http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

67chevemall · 07-01-2005, 08:30 AM

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

good reads

06-27-2005, 07:00 PM	#1
CraigS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Gresham, OR, USA Posts: 106	3 Wire Alternator Hookup Just converted a 1 wire alternator back to 3 wires to get all the amps out of it that I could. It is a 100 amp model. As I understand the hookup, the largest red wire powers the electrical system and runs to the battery, the smaller red wire is an exciter to get the alternator charging after being stopped, and the brown wire is a voltage sensor that should tie to a weak point (+ polarity) somewhere in the system. Is this correct? In my current configuration, I am getting plenty of amps out of the alt and 14.4 volts, but the alternator itself gets too hot to touch. Maybe because I am running electric fans and AC? A while back someone had a link to a website that explained the charging system on GM vehicles. Anyone remember it? __________________ 72 GMC K20, 454, TH350 00 GMC Yukon 66 Ford Bronco

06-28-2005, 08:27 AM	#2
hotrodmtodd 'Burban Legend Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mingo Junction OH Posts: 918	ttt __________________ '67 Chevy Iron City Beer Truck (9ft step) '67 Chevy Panel Truck 467 '68 Short Fleet 305v6 '68 McLaren Ramp Truck '68/'68/'70/'71 Burbs 292/366/402/454 '69 C-30 dump '71 C-50 dump and church bus '71 4x4 454 '72 Blazer (w/pop-up camper) $15 x-hooks '66 Chevy II 194/Weber '68 El Camino" 305v6 '69 Skylark 455 Buick '70 Chevelle 427 '71 Cutlass W-31 '71 GTO 400 2x2 "The 51" Chopped '51 Chevy (409) my first car OK Toad, we'll take 'em all... John Milner

07-01-2005, 12:51 AM	#3
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	alternator website Is this the one you are looking for? http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

07-01-2005, 08:30 AM	#4
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml good reads



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