one wire alternators
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From: NW Kans
one wire alternators
i have burned up two alternators in my trucks by getting them wet and am thinking of trying a one wire gm alternator. ive heard they are not as bad about that. i have also seen a one wire conversion for the ford alternator. would that work as good for water resistance or should i just use a gm one? Did gm actually use a one wire alternator or is that a conversion also?
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The GM one wire is a conversion also. All OEM alternators used a wire running from a ignition key source to bring them online to charge. The one-wire alternators use a special regulator that detects when it needs to come online automatically.
I would not think a special regulator on the alternator you have would make it more water resistant. If the GM alternators are more water resistant for some reason, you could just get one of those and install it. Get one from a late 70's or early 80's car or truck. Hook the large terminal up to the battery, hook the #2 terminal to the large terminal, and hook the #1 terminal to the red/green wire you have now that goes to the "s" terminal or the "i" terminal of the Ford regulator.
I would not think a special regulator on the alternator you have would make it more water resistant. If the GM alternators are more water resistant for some reason, you could just get one of those and install it. Get one from a late 70's or early 80's car or truck. Hook the large terminal up to the battery, hook the #2 terminal to the large terminal, and hook the #1 terminal to the red/green wire you have now that goes to the "s" terminal or the "i" terminal of the Ford regulator.
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From: Virginia
Yes. An GM alternator that is a decent size is one for a 84 Buick Regal with a 3.8.
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From: NW Kans
just out of curiosity, there is also a one wire conversion for the ford alternator. would that still need to be externally regulated or would the conversion kit have a built in regulator also? sorry, not sure who makes it. think i saw it in summit maybe?
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I am not sure about how it mounts, but I would assume they probably just bolt it to the back of the alternator like Ford did with the later alternators. Just so there is "one wire" leaving the alternator, then I guess it's legal to call it a one wire.
I think I would look at moving the alternator up higher to get it out of harms way.
I think I would look at moving the alternator up higher to get it out of harms way.
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From: NW Kans
my alternator is mounted about level with the top of the engine. i mud bog and they either get water splashed in them or packed full of mud. which i am sure is not good for them. im not sure i actually burned up the last one. i took it apart and all the wires were ripped off the rectifier. i think it got full of mud and broke the wires off when it turned. btw the starters also fill with mud. ive cleaned mine out a couple times. but its just not the same. i siliconed it but i think its about time for a new powermaster! and thanks for all your help!
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From: Virginia
I think I would put some splash shields around the bottom of the engine compartment. You know, the ones that make it so aggravating to work on a stock vehicle. They will get in the way, but probably will save everything in the engine compartment.
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From: NW Kans
yeah, thought about trying to close it up some more. most guys do. ive just left mine open cause i figured i couldnt keep the mud out anyway so why make it harder to wash it out. well see. and thanks for your help.
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