1-Wire Alternator Problem
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
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
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
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
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
Likes: 2,725
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.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
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.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
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.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
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
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
Likes: 2,725
From: Virginia
The manufacturer says that as amps go up, volts go down