Alternator Question??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HotRod929 · 10-09-2002, 02:49 PM

Did all the 73 and up trucks come with a one wire alternator? Just wondering cus im thinking of getting a new one but it doesnt say one wire or not just 73 and up. Thanks

HotRod

HotRod929 · 10-09-2002, 06:05 PM

Someone?...Anyone?....Someone out there has got to know. Please Thanks

HotRod

Mike C · 10-09-2002, 06:08 PM

GM has never sold a truck with a one wire alternator. They do, however, have an internal regulator from 73. It is possible to jumper the plug in the side and make it a one wire hookup, and this is basically what an aftermarket one wire does, it just runs all the wires inside the case.

HotRod929 · 10-09-2002, 06:12 PM

So jumper the two spade terminals on the alternator and I got a one wire? If thats the case is there any where I can get a jumper plug for it? THanks

HotROd

mikep · 10-09-2002, 10:33 PM

There is a different diode set in the one wire alternators than in the newer ( post 72 ) internally regulated alternators. Jumpering the other two wires wont do it alone.

Mike C · 10-09-2002, 10:35 PM

It works on an internal regulator allternator, not the original one on your truck. I'm not sure which way to jump what for sure. I did this on our Poppin' Johnny years ago, but don't rememeber. do a search for the Oldsmobile FAQ on alternator conversion to internal regulator. That is the best post I have ever seen on the subject. I think you can buy a pigtail at the parts store that lets you just plug it in.

Slammed67 · 10-10-2002, 01:47 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think just hooking the two wires together makes it a one wire alternator. You can but conversion kits for them though. If you hook the two wires together, then the alternator is always "charged". I tried this thinking it would work and it drained my battery. The small wire is what "activates" the alternator, so it needs to be hooked up to12v controlled by the ignition. That way it's only on when the ignition is on.

Mike C · 10-10-2002, 08:17 AM

Correct, just jumping the two wires won't do it. But buying the pigtail at the parts store that jumpers the 12v post to one of the pins and uses a diode on the other (I don't remember the exact order) DOES work. Our John Deere's has been on for 10 years now. It's also just as easy to hook it up via the instructions on the Oldsmobile FAQ when replacing the externally regulated alternator.

mikep · 10-10-2002, 08:56 AM

www.alterstart.com has rebuilt 105 amp one wire alternators internally converted to one wire for $55. Hard to beat that.

I always have to push this too. They have NEW in the box AC delco permanent magnet gear reduction starters like chevy supplies with their 502 big block kits for only $99 which is half what the parts stores charge for rebuilt ones.

Alaskan · 10-10-2002, 09:25 AM

Use this link, http://home.gci.net/~rflory/alternator.html it discribes how to hookup (wire) standard internally regulated alternator in place of the externally regulated alternator.
You can also wire it with the old wires you just need a new style connector. Example of new style connector [ -- -- ], example of old style connector [ | | ]. If you use the old wiring you also need to jump the wires where it plugs into old regulator, I'll need some help here from the board but it should jump 1 to 3, and 2 to 4.
A true one alternator will not produce current untill about 1500 rpm.

mikep · 10-10-2002, 11:45 AM

I will have to add that that 1500 rpm can be a bit of a pain sometimes. I run a deep groove moroso 4 inch pulley to for better belt retention with a green industrial belt and that 1500 rpm is more like 2300 rpm. I can ee when I hit 30 mph in 2nd gear when it come on. The lights suddenly get brighter. It doesnt really bother me since I like the extra secuity of the deep groove pulley. Lost an engine one because of a thrown belt so I'm over cautious.

Longhorn Man · 10-11-2002, 12:44 AM

Personally, I don't see the atraction on these one wire deals. With all the wires that are there already, what does it matter if you have a couple more that should be neatly tied and wrapped?
The cost and the 1500 rpm(depending on pully size) rev to get it to turn on seem like a couple good reasons to just get a GM int reg unit and install it.
You can maintain your dummy light/guage like this too.

mikep · 10-11-2002, 01:10 AM

You can maintain the gauge with the one wire alternator too just as easily if not more so than a standard internally regulated alternator . The problem lies in the amperage rating of the alternator. It can produce upwards of 135 amps on demand depending on the model but so can some models of internally regulated alternators. It is not safe to run either a hi amp internally regulated or a one wire alternator through the original wiring which is sized for 35 amperes max . If you run the hi amp internally regulated alternator through a fusible link or a fuse then it is safe to do so but that eliminates the advantage of the extra charging capabilities a lot of modern extras like campers, inverters, stupid loud stereos, halogen lights etc need.

O'l Buck · 10-11-2002, 01:14 AM

all of the one's i've converted, I bought a new aftermarket connector for the regulater, just a standard factory style connector....but new.....and hooked the red wire to the battery terminal on the alt. left the white wire open, and ran battery voltage to the bat. terminal........they all work just fine.

puffsburb · 10-11-2002, 10:36 PM

Just go to your local NAPA and get part # 13-4011sw. It is a one wire alternater NO modifications.

10-09-2002, 02:49 PM	#1
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	Alternator Question??? Did all the 73 and up trucks come with a one wire alternator? Just wondering cus im thinking of getting a new one but it doesnt say one wire or not just 73 and up. Thanks HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

10-09-2002, 06:05 PM	#2
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	Someone?...Anyone?....Someone out there has got to know. Please Thanks HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

10-09-2002, 06:08 PM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,715	GM has never sold a truck with a one wire alternator. They do, however, have an internal regulator from 73. It is possible to jumper the plug in the side and make it a one wire hookup, and this is basically what an aftermarket one wire does, it just runs all the wires inside the case. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-09-2002, 06:12 PM	#4
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	So jumper the two spade terminals on the alternator and I got a one wire? If thats the case is there any where I can get a jumper plug for it? THanks HotROd __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

10-09-2002, 10:33 PM	#5
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	There is a different diode set in the one wire alternators than in the newer ( post 72 ) internally regulated alternators. Jumpering the other two wires wont do it alone. __________________ No truck :-(

10-09-2002, 10:35 PM	#6
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,715	It works on an internal regulator allternator, not the original one on your truck. I'm not sure which way to jump what for sure. I did this on our Poppin' Johnny years ago, but don't rememeber. do a search for the Oldsmobile FAQ on alternator conversion to internal regulator. That is the best post I have ever seen on the subject. I think you can buy a pigtail at the parts store that lets you just plug it in. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-10-2002, 01:47 AM	#7
Slammed67 Progress = 0% Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 2,108	Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think just hooking the two wires together makes it a one wire alternator. You can but conversion kits for them though. If you hook the two wires together, then the alternator is always "charged". I tried this thinking it would work and it drained my battery. The small wire is what "activates" the alternator, so it needs to be hooked up to12v controlled by the ignition. That way it's only on when the ignition is on. __________________ Jason - '67 GMC swb \| '57 Bel-Air 4dr hardtop \| '56 210 4dr Wagon \| 2000 GMC Sierra

10-10-2002, 08:17 AM	#8
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,715	Correct, just jumping the two wires won't do it. But buying the pigtail at the parts store that jumpers the 12v post to one of the pins and uses a diode on the other (I don't remember the exact order) DOES work. Our John Deere's has been on for 10 years now. It's also just as easy to hook it up via the instructions on the Oldsmobile FAQ when replacing the externally regulated alternator. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-10-2002, 08:56 AM	#9
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	www.alterstart.com has rebuilt 105 amp one wire alternators internally converted to one wire for $55. Hard to beat that. I always have to push this too. They have NEW in the box AC delco permanent magnet gear reduction starters like chevy supplies with their 502 big block kits for only $99 which is half what the parts stores charge for rebuilt ones. __________________ No truck :-(

10-10-2002, 09:25 AM	#10
Alaskan Truck'n the alcan Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Houston, AK Posts: 149	Use this link, http://home.gci.net/~rflory/alternator.html it discribes how to hookup (wire) standard internally regulated alternator in place of the externally regulated alternator. You can also wire it with the old wires you just need a new style connector. Example of new style connector [ -- -- ], example of old style connector [ \| \| ]. If you use the old wiring you also need to jump the wires where it plugs into old regulator, I'll need some help here from the board but it should jump 1 to 3, and 2 to 4. A true one alternator will not produce current untill about 1500 rpm. __________________ 68 GMC 4x4 71 C20 Custom Deluxe 83 1/2 ton conversion van

10-10-2002, 11:45 AM	#11
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	I will have to add that that 1500 rpm can be a bit of a pain sometimes. I run a deep groove moroso 4 inch pulley to for better belt retention with a green industrial belt and that 1500 rpm is more like 2300 rpm. I can ee when I hit 30 mph in 2nd gear when it come on. The lights suddenly get brighter. It doesnt really bother me since I like the extra secuity of the deep groove pulley. Lost an engine one because of a thrown belt so I'm over cautious. __________________ No truck :-(

10-11-2002, 12:44 AM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Personally, I don't see the atraction on these one wire deals. With all the wires that are there already, what does it matter if you have a couple more that should be neatly tied and wrapped? The cost and the 1500 rpm(depending on pully size) rev to get it to turn on seem like a couple good reasons to just get a GM int reg unit and install it. You can maintain your dummy light/guage like this too.

10-11-2002, 01:10 AM	#13
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	You can maintain the gauge with the one wire alternator too just as easily if not more so than a standard internally regulated alternator . The problem lies in the amperage rating of the alternator. It can produce upwards of 135 amps on demand depending on the model but so can some models of internally regulated alternators. It is not safe to run either a hi amp internally regulated or a one wire alternator through the original wiring which is sized for 35 amperes max . If you run the hi amp internally regulated alternator through a fusible link or a fuse then it is safe to do so but that eliminates the advantage of the extra charging capabilities a lot of modern extras like campers, inverters, stupid loud stereos, halogen lights etc need. __________________ No truck :-(

10-11-2002, 01:14 AM	#14
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	all of the one's i've converted, I bought a new aftermarket connector for the regulater, just a standard factory style connector....but new.....and hooked the red wire to the battery terminal on the alt. left the white wire open, and ran battery voltage to the bat. terminal........they all work just fine. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

10-11-2002, 10:36 PM	#15
puffsburb Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Girard KS Posts: 8	Just go to your local NAPA and get part # 13-4011sw. It is a one wire alternater NO modifications.



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