One-Wire or Failed Alternator
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 341
One-Wire or Failed Alternator
Got a shiny chrome alternator on my '68. Brand new NAPA voltage regulator completely disconnected, I found, after unraveling black tape.
Currently it's got B+ wired to the Field terminal, straight from the big B+ post.
Even with both connections (F R) disconnected, it's putting out 14.5 or better all the time.
Question: Has someone internally rewired this as a one-wire alternator, or is it just failed?
Are one-wires typically adjustable in any manner?
It'll keep the battery charged. Too charged, I'm afraid.
Currently it's got B+ wired to the Field terminal, straight from the big B+ post.
Even with both connections (F R) disconnected, it's putting out 14.5 or better all the time.
Question: Has someone internally rewired this as a one-wire alternator, or is it just failed?
Are one-wires typically adjustable in any manner?
It'll keep the battery charged. Too charged, I'm afraid.
Last edited by wadenelson; Nov 21, 2018 at 10:26 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Got a shiny chrome alternator on my '68. Brand new NAPA voltage regulator completely disconnected, I found, after unraveling black tape.
Currently it's got B+ wired to the Field terminal, straight from the big B+ post.
Even with both connections (F R) disconnected, it's putting out 14.5 or better all the time.
Question: Has someone internally rewired this as a one-wire alternator, or is it just failed?
Are one-wires typically adjustable in any manner?
It'll keep the battery charged. Too charged, I'm afraid.
Currently it's got B+ wired to the Field terminal, straight from the big B+ post.
Even with both connections (F R) disconnected, it's putting out 14.5 or better all the time.
Question: Has someone internally rewired this as a one-wire alternator, or is it just failed?
Are one-wires typically adjustable in any manner?
It'll keep the battery charged. Too charged, I'm afraid.
I believe you have a one wire out of the box unit, and no, it is not adjustable......unless the VR installed in it has the ability to.
You should be fine at 14.5....it is high side spec but ok.
Jebby
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Yep...one wire....B+ is jumped to F but and that is common thing to do but unnecessary in this application. R appears to go nowhere on that plug...but would go to ammeter/volt gauge normally.
if you are sure it is charging unplugged then leave it alone....in fact you can leave 1-2 plugged in for looks or cut it back and hide it.
You are ok as long as the rest of your car is charging.
Take a voltage reading at a couple of different places while the car is running.....you may not have 14.5 but at least 13.5 or so......this will tell you that it is wired correctly and the system is healthy....
Jebby
if you are sure it is charging unplugged then leave it alone....in fact you can leave 1-2 plugged in for looks or cut it back and hide it.
You are ok as long as the rest of your car is charging.
Take a voltage reading at a couple of different places while the car is running.....you may not have 14.5 but at least 13.5 or so......this will tell you that it is wired correctly and the system is healthy....
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Nov 21, 2018 at 11:50 PM.
