One Wire Regulators (for generator to alternator conversions

[james singleton]

I thought that I would pass something along to any of you that install the one-wire-regulators when converting from a generator to an alternator. I installed a one-wire-reg. (from Falconparts.com) this weekend and could not figure out how come my warning light would not turn off after the engine was started; and also more important, the alternator was not charging! I spent considerable time trying to figure out what was wrong; checking the wiring, proper ground, etc. Here is what I found to be the problem: the last of the instructions from Falconparts says the following: "WHEN ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REV THE ENGINE BEYOND IDLE TO TURN THE WARNING LIGHT OFF AND INITIALIZE THE ALTERNATOR."! I had rev'd the engine a number of times well beyond idle rpm's and the light had stayed on and the alternator was not charging. Finally, I really rev'd the engine to some very high rpm's and guess what? That's right, the warning light went off and my alternator started charging to 14.25volts (only 12.56volts when it was not charging). Maybe my new regulator is more stubborn than some others, but if you have a similar problem, don't be afraid to really rev your engine! Anyway, I am happy to have solved the problem!

 

[LaGrasta]

How strange, I never heard of such a thing. I did the 3 wire alt (SI) that www.madelectrical.com recommends.

 

[Anonymous]

i have the 1 wire installed now (have the stuff to put on a SI) and it charges as soons as I start up no need to rev

 

[Lazy JW]

I put a one-wire alternator on my old Allis-Chalmers tractor some years ago. That tractor is governed at 1850 rpm max. It would barely start the alternator working, sometimes I would have to pull on the carb lever to bypass the governor in order to excite the unit. Then it would charge fine even at low idle.
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

I have to blip my one wire 100 amp alternator past about 1500, which is really easy to do on start up.

Then it charges nicely on the voltmeter.

Steve-O

 

[MustangSix]

There is a one-wire regulator, too. It is based on the older Mopar design that has an ignition-hot feed that outputs to the field coil on the alternator. Not to be confused with the one-wire alternator.

 

[Anonymous]

Alternators are sold for different applications and yours was
formerly driven by a larger pulley. Change the pulley on your alternator
to a smaller one and you'll do alot better....tom..