12 volt conversion question

[Soldier Tom]

Resurecting a 52 VAC I drug out of the briar patch last Christmas. Got the engine free, and working toward making it operational. The generator is shot, and the cost of putting on another generator convinced me to go with a 12v alternator instead. Got me a 12v coil, new plug wires and plugs, re-wired the instruments with new wires (following past posts on here, as well as the existing wires).
O.K. here's the question. Single wire or three wire alternator? Fella at Advanced Auto says go with the single wire (self exciteing) type, since they are so much easier to fool with. The fella at my favorite tractor parts yard says he won't even sell the single wire type cause they never cease to cause trouble one way or another; he says to use the three wire type with a diode to keep the current flowing one way only. I have no personal preference, other than whatever will be less trouble to hook up, and trouble free in the long run. All told, the single wire deal is cheaper by 10 to 15 bucks so money isn't that big of a deciding factor. I will be working this little 52, and have no delusions of restoration. (I AM holding on to the original stuff just in case someone down the line wants to tho).
You wise, learn-ed ones, please help me on my path to en-light-enment. (Bad pun, sorry)
Thanks up front for your advice and time.
Walk in peace
Soldier Tom

 

[Duner Wi]

I voter for the 3 wire. I have had both. Run the sense wire back to where ever you feed the coil, lights etc. This is where GM intended and works.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have both single and three wire hookups. Single wire is much easier for a not so handy guy like myself. I've been using them for several years and no trouble with either.

 

[K.B.-826]

The three wire is the way to go. It is not difficult to wire up, as there is an adapter harness avalible that has the diode in it. You simply connect your large battery wire to the "B" terminal of the alternator, plug the harness into the top of the alternator, connect the short wire out of the harness to the alternator's "B" terminal, and connect the long wire to a source of keyed 12-volt power, such as the key switch side of the coil. Your guy at the parts yard probably has that harness on hand, I think Tisco makes it.

 

[Bob]

<IMG SRC = "http://ndtc3500.stellarnet.com/~blweltin/Bob/AlternatorHarness4.jpg">

 

[John T]

The 3 wire is cheap n easy to install n readily available, it doesnt require any high RPM to excite and doesnt draw any trickle discharge when setting. I dont use a diode anymore (although theres nothing wrong with its use) but instead a safety current limiting resistor of around 10 ohms to provide at least some degree of protection. It serves the diodes purpose of preventing back feeding the coil so the tractor stops running when you turn the ignition off plus can limit the current. It or the diode will work just fine, its your choice.

If at Neg ground the coils lil - is what wires to the distributor and if the ammeter was originally for Pos grnd its leads need swapped so it dont read backwards

John T

 

[Anonymous-0]

I second that. I have a 3 wire on my Ford 9N and I have a 1 wire on my White 4-150 and they both work very well. Have to rev up the 1 wire and the 3 wire starts working right off idle. No problems with either.

 

[Pitalplace]

If your looking for an easy way contact Genesee as they have kits or parts and wiring harness to make any conversion easy. They also have electronic ignitions which really like.
http://www.gp6.com/

 

[Pitalplace]

I will try that again sorry.
http://www.gp6.com/

 

[Soldier Tom]

Bob, appreciate the picture. It makes it a lot clearer to me. This is the exact alternator I was looking at.
~Walk in peace~
Soldier Tom

 

[Soldier Tom]

Pitalplace, these kits ain't cheap are they? I have less than 300 bucks in this old tractor and I am hesitant to spend that much. I appreciate the info though. I will keep this in my "good info" book. Thanks!
~Walk in peace~
Soldier Tom

 

[Pitalplace]

They are expensive but I have hassled a 600 Ford for 30 years. Put this kit in about 8 years ago and when you push the button it starts.

 

[mj]

(quoted from post at 20:50:04 02/19/08) I have both single and three wire hookups. Single wire is much easier for a not so handy guy like myself. I've been using them for several years and no trouble with either.

Same here :lol: