1 Wire alt. upgrade ??

I am advising my B-I-L to change to the 1 wire alternator from the generator on his '65 CJ5. This will eliminate the need for the voltage regulator. I plan to run the wire from the alt to an amp meter in the dash and then to the battery. My question refers to the gen light in the speedo housing that indicates no charge from the system when lit. My answer was that the amp meter replaces the need for the idiot light in the speedo. Is this correct or, can I make this work somehow???

 

Pretty sure you need a 3-wire in order to make that idiot light work; I'm not aware of any provision on the 1-wire for that light. An ammeter will do it, but I'm not personally fond of running an ammeter in the dash; I've seen the results of more than one dash fire due to ammeter malfunction.

 

OK, but the three wire would defeat the purpose of the upgrade. I hear ya about the dash fire, so maybe a volt meter would be a better chioce. You can determine the same charging symptoms from that. Good discussion, I'll just get a volt meter and a GM alt. at the parts store and go to work. Thanks........

 

Not necessarily. A 10SI is an internally regulated alternator, so you would still ditch the voltage regulator.

 

MMMMM............3 wires. 1]charge lug, heavy gauge wire, 2] 2-wire connector for light in dash and....what's the third one for??????

 

:? :?

 

I googled "3-wire alt." and found a drawing of a 3-wire system. It showed a charge lead, an indicator lead and a voltage sensing lead. I guess you could wire the sensing lead to the (+) post on the starter solenoid??

 

Your knowledge excites me!!!

 

I think he's talking about the wire on the "#2" terminal in the diagram you posted, the voltage regulating loop. but, he typed distributor on accident instead of alternator?




[can o worms] that #2 terminal wire should be hooked up somewhere else in the circuit (headlights,etc.) to accurately regulate [/can o worms]

just kidding...mines hooked up just like the diagram.