1-Wire Alternator Problem
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
1-Wire Alternator Problem
I have a 289 V-8 in my 1954 Ford F100. The engine is rebuilt and originally came from a 1967 Mustang. I bought a chrome 1-wire Ford alternator from the local performance shop. It is rated at 70 amps. When I started the truck up, the voltage was about 12.3 That is with the electric fan and the electric fuel pump running. Then, when I turned the A/C on, the engine died. I tried it twice with the same results. Has anybody had any good luck with the 1-wire alternator? 
Thanks, Jag
Thanks, Jag
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
I went back to the supplier. Her said that they had accidentally given me the wrong model. He gave me another that has a small regulator and wires on the back of the case. The first one was bare. The primary wire I hooked up is very thick. (maybe a size 10?) The first unit as well as the second has a thick threaded post on the back with a red ring around it. This is where I had it hooked up. Maybe the new one will work better. Thanks, Jag
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by classic79
you do know with a one-wire you have to energize it by reving up the motor a couple grand to get it to turn on. If not it never starts charging.
These one-wire alt's seem to be good for hobby and show vehicles, but I don't know if they are worth the trouble on a daily driver.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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the one-wire should be just fine for a daily driver.
it's true it will need to get to a certain rpm to be able to excite itself, but that isn't going to be several thousand, mine kicks in with start-up (EFI)
the real drawback is monitoring if it's really working. switched voltmeter or ammeter is the only way.
one more thing, it will constantly pull a very small current from the battery. if it sits for a month it may not start.
i believe the one-wires are all gm units, but i could be wrong.
it's true it will need to get to a certain rpm to be able to excite itself, but that isn't going to be several thousand, mine kicks in with start-up (EFI)
the real drawback is monitoring if it's really working. switched voltmeter or ammeter is the only way.
one more thing, it will constantly pull a very small current from the battery. if it sits for a month it may not start.
i believe the one-wires are all gm units, but i could be wrong.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: UTI student
Ummm......I run a one wire 100 amp alt on my daily driver with no problem and I have a volt gauge wired to monitor it. Mine is a GM unit from proform. I had a 120 amp in-line breaker from summit but my alt would trip the breaker at idle after 4 minutes or as soon as I hit the gas which ever came first. My truck runs about 14.X volts when running and 12.X when I crank it over. I really don't know much about electrical so I had the gauge professionally wired. I did hook the alt up myself which was a PITA because I have a 76 with the external voltage regulator. I had to re-wire the eletrical system so I got power to the dash.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
After having the manufacturer check out the unit, I reinstalled it. It only puts out 12.5v without the A/C on. The manufacturer says that as amps go up, volts go down. I am also thinking that perhaps my battery is discharged, so am going to put it on the charger and try again latter. I am also going to check and see the amps being pulled by the electric fan and the elec. fuel pump. Thanks, Jag
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From: Virginia
The manufacturer says that as amps go up, volts go down