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A Diode Question.

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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 05:08 AM
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Default A Diode Question.

Calling all electrical gurus.
so, recently I changed up my one wire alternator to a 3 wire hookup. Which the manufacturer claims is OK to do.
And I must admit sensing voltage down line has had a very positive effect. Voltage drop when the fans kick on is now none existent.
But now I have a new issue, feedback down the exciter line, or gen. light wire if you prefer.
Apparently this feed back down the exciter wire when converting a one wire alternator to a three wire is a common dilemma.
So much so that a plug and play fix is offered by several companies. See below.

Now this little beauty at almost 58 bucks delivered would solve the problem. But it would also be extremely unsightly and at this price ridiculous.
All I need is the correct diode. The diode alone is probably about a buck or 2 and solder and heat shrink I can handle. And with just the diode I can easily hide it in the harness further down line.
So, Electrical Gurus, what diode do I need to purchase?
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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 05:40 AM
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Any diode that will handle 1/2 Amp steady current and a peak inverse voltage of about 100 volts. Those are conservative, fluffed up numbers to avoid problems; the real voltage/current on the ALT lamp wire is most likely not at all near those numbers. As you can see, the $58 plug in has a teeny weenie diode in it.
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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 06:05 AM
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Yes I can clearly see that. But size and ratings don't always coincide.
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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 08:41 AM
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Painless wiring has a diode kit for that. 30720. Summit sells it too. 8.99. Shipping to AU. ?
they say it’s a 6 amp diode.
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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Yes I can clearly see that. But size and ratings don't always coincide.
Just a 12v 3amp diode will work.......don't know where you would get one there but here they have them at the parts store......or go to the junkyard and pilfer one off of a 90's GM A/C system......at the two prong plug on the compressor.
Google you one up.....

Jebby
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Old Mar 1, 2023 | 04:23 PM
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There is a electronic shop here called JayCar. They'll have a selection of diodes for sure. Just want to know what I need.
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Old Mar 2, 2023 | 06:46 AM
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Got this after work.

Probably triple overkill. But cost less than the fuel to get me to a junkyard. I'll hide it in the harness along the inner fender.
Thanks everyone.
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Old Mar 5, 2023 | 03:21 AM
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Well finally got some time to solder in that diode. Opened up the harness along the left side inner fender. Found the 20 guage brown wire in there. Spliced in my diode. A bit of solder, a bit of heat shrink and some electrical tape later and you'd never know it was there.
my generator light works and no more back feed.
Problem solved.
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