I just need a one wire alternator to replace the web of dirty wires and boxes that I currently have. I want simple and easy to maintain. Any suggestions? I keep seeing the 3G mentioned when I do a search of the forum but I saw no tech article...weird. If I could get part numbers, applications for a junkyard search...a diagram instruction...you know, to walk me through it since I am basically car electronics illiterate.
I don't know about the 1 wire but I can tell you that the alternator that Bryant help me put in has cleaned up my wiring a lot! 3G alternator from like a 90's ford (mustang, taurus). The wiring harness and that's it, easiest installation ever. I'll get your part numbers, let me go look for that link.
I am using a one wire GMC alternator from NAPA for about $40. Threw away all the external regulator, etc. I did have to drill out the mounting bolt to a larger size, and make a spacer to go behind it, but otherwise, just wired to a hot wire and buy the little jumper plug with it (another dollar or so). And done. Only 64A, If I recall correctly. Old picture, but this is basically what it looks like. I have since used an aluminum spacer rather than the cut-up socket.
There is a 3G from a 95 Windstar at the local boneyard listed for $45. I guess I could clip the connector a little long and use that. It matches the "other applications" for the one Bryant posted off Ebay only about $100 cheaper and rated A to boot. There should be a tech article made for this swap since it's so popular and asked about so often. After this charging issue is done I will need to rebuild the carb because it leaks out of the front lever thing. This forum is amazing, you ask what seems like a complicated question and within an hour you have a simple answer and all the help you could ever ask for. That's why I stick around...well that and all the awesome car pictures. And the snack machine in the breakroom always has Skittles.
You need to know what the alternator is for before you can look it up. If you type in "3G", "one wire" or "GMC" into a parts search it won't do any good.
I'm running a 90 amp one wire Chevy alternator on mine, cheap and works great, but I think the 3G is about the best option out there.
Cheap is my main thing. I will go get the 3G tomorrow but it's from a boneyard...what numbers are the Chevy one wire alternators? Years and applications?
you should open it up and inspect it, make sure there isn't too much wear and tear on it. There are rebuild kits for cheap maybe, not sure.
I scored a good alternator from a 1978 Chevy van today, for free. It spins freely and works fine. It is a three wire. There is a clip with two wires and marked 1 and 2 on the case. BATT goes to the positive battery post. 1 is the idiot light. 2 is the energizer and goes to the BATT post. http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/10si.htm Now I need to know which wire is my factory idiot light and which wires I can eliminate. There are maybe 6 or 7 wires going into the regulator and I want to know which ones to clip or remove.
10SI GM alternator installed. I was surprised at the giant wad of factory nonsense that it eliminated. A thick taped wire bundle with several plugs and clips and the silver box(regulator). Looks 100% better under the hood now, cleaner and less jumbled and busy. I started the car, let it idle for about 5 minutes while I figured out the emergency brake was being bothered by the mufflers and backed down the ramps...then I drove it around the block without a hiccup or problem. The brakes need some juice but other than that I think I may have my Comet back. Drum brakes are manly but I'd rather have discs. My brake light is on now, low fluid I suppose.
