one wire alternators
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
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From: Kansas City area
I used the Ford one-wire 100amp Tuff Stuff alternator on my 302. Kind of pricey though. I purchased from Jegs for around $180. Jegs and Summit have Ford one-wires for less also. Bolted right on.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 553
Likes: 2
From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
I read a couple of weeks back that a 1 wire alternator is energized at a pre-set alternator RPM, whereas a multiwire Alt. is energized via one of the wires by the ignition switch. So untill you reach the specified RPM your Alt. will not be charging. The condition can be magnified if you have an overdrive transmission and/or aftermarket (under driven) pulleys. In which case the pre-set alternator RPM may not be reached as soon or ever.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
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From: NM
Originally Posted by brucewolff
I read a couple of weeks back that a 1 wire alternator is energized at a pre-set alternator RPM, whereas a multiwire Alt. is energized via one of the wires by the ignition switch. So untill you reach the specified RPM your Alt. will not be charging. The condition can be magnified if you have an overdrive transmission and/or aftermarket (under driven) pulleys. In which case the pre-set alternator RPM may not be reached as soon or ever.
This is rapidly evolving into a Ford vs. Chevy, Apple vs. PC, skis vs. snowboard kind of deal! It just isn't a very big deal either way!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Jag Red 54
Mine must be the older style, but it only needs to get up to 1100 rpm +/-. So it really is a non-issue. 
Jag
Jag
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
It came off an 86 Buick so it may very well be an older type. I was just surprised about it because in my previous use of 3-wire alternators I had not run into that before...but this is my first use of a combination idiot light/voltmeter too. I always ran Ammeters before.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
It does goes to a switched hot wire. The ignition voltage is fused. That's the way the Chrysler wiring harness I used is designed...another little unanticipated surprise I encountered one day when the engine would not start because the fuse was blown! 
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Dec 12, 2006 at 08:16 AM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
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From: Santa Clarita
Seawulff, I couldn't find the article your talking about? I noticed on a website, they have a kit that bolt to your stock Ford alternator and converts it to a one wire system. Anyone seen this kit before? They run about $40.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: tupelo ms
i am using a chrome ford alt. that has tiny one wire regulator mounted on the outside rear . like the gm but mounts to the outside instead of being on the inside...slick and simple..my local rebuild sold me the regulator.i like it
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Jag Red 54
That town was so poor that people could only afford one wire for their alternators!! 
Jag
Jag
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