One wire alternator

« **on:** June 30, 2014, 12:37:28 PM »

Is there a proper way to wire up a 1 wire alternator cani go straight to the positive on the starter can it have current to it 24/7

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« **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2014, 01:59:52 PM »

Yes you can come straight off the starter "Batt" lug to the alternator.

« **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2014, 05:47:39 PM »

Quote from: icecreaman on June 30, 2014, 01:59:52 PM

Yes you can come straight off the starter "Batt" lug to the alternator.

X2 on that- Though make sure you wire in a diode or have a full disconnect on either + or - so your battery does not get drained overnight-
My race cars all use 1 wire alt but I hate when I forget to disconnect as the battery will be completely dead in 48 hrs.

JW

« **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2014, 07:39:33 PM »

I've always run a poor mans 1 wire...jump the field to the main lug, then to the batt or starter main lug. I've left the battery connected for months without problems in my white boat. Can't explain it, but it worked

« **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2014, 07:58:45 PM »

Quote from: vintage240zracer on June 30, 2014, 05:47:39 PM

X2 on that- Though make sure you wire in a diode or have a full disconnect on either + or - so your battery does not get drained overnight-
My race cars all use 1 wire alt but I hate when I forget to disconnect as the battery will be completely dead in 48 hrs.

JW

I would think you've got something else causing a draw. I can't see how the alternator can be pulling any juice when not in use unless you're pulling juice from this circuit to power something else. I've always wired direct to the starter, or remote starter solenoid, or a direct battery + lug. I know some people put a diode in so as not to back feed the ignition system. Sometimes the boat won't turn off otherwise.

« **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2014, 10:23:50 PM »

Quote from: icecreaman on June 30, 2014, 07:58:45 PM

I would think you've got something else causing a draw. I can't see how the alternator can be pulling any juice when not in use unless you're pulling juice from this circuit to power something else. I've always wired direct to the starter, or remote starter solenoid, or a direct battery + lug. I know some people put a diode in so as not to back feed the ignition system. Sometimes the boat won't turn off otherwise.

You will normally see 2 different types of 1 wire, some wired internally to the exciter/recitifier and some that have to be energized from the lug and a flat pin (ie delco unit)
Here is some good info http://bob_skelly.home.comcast.net/~bob_skelly/alternator_conversion/wiring_alternator1.html

« **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2014, 10:30:05 PM »

with my old motorola single wire thats all i had. a single wire going directly to the battery. HEI ignition on a switch. no diodes, nothing.

« **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2014, 06:38:03 PM »

Quote from: ka0tyk on June 30, 2014, 10:30:05 PM

with my old motorola single wire thats all i had. a single wire going directly to the battery. HEI ignition on a switch. no diodes, nothing.

That's exactly how mine is hooked up too.

jamiemwedmore1234

One wire alternator

icecreaman

Re: One wire alternator

vintage240zracer

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lbhsbz

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icecreaman

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vintage240zracer

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ka0tyk

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nolongergreen

Re: One wire alternator