Follow-up: alternator opinion

I use a one wire alternator - $50 or so at NAPA. No problems at all. Some spare wires with nothing to hook to, but you could not ask for more a more simple operation.

I am sure there are down-sides for the one-wire and somebody will tell me what they are. I just have not encountered any so far.

 

See the http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml site for an answer to that. While a true 1-wire will work my preference is for something that can run a warning light. Other than that it wouldn't matter to me.

Stan

 

When I got my CJ the wiring harness was shot. I tried a couple different alternators and could not get any to charge - wiring problem. In frustration, I went to the one-wire and it worked....got the jeep mobile while I worked on it. I have since done a new wiring harness as well as finished the rebuild. I never replaced the one-wire.

The jeep is very stock, no heavy electircal load and so far it works great. Yes, no idiot light which could catch me...even though I try to watch the volt gauge. Maybe when this one goes I will go to a three-wire version to get the idiot light operational again.

 

if im not mistaken, most one wires should have a spade connector on a field so that you can run a idiot light off of it. i know mine came with a plug that goes right to the light

 

My model has just one connection possible. That was what I wanted at the time I installed the alternator. I had just had the jeep towed to my shop, got it running, and discovered that the alternator was not charging. Got the correct replacement and it did not work. There was no telling what wire did what, gould not really troubleshoot it - to many possible wire problems. I knew I needed a new harness anyway. If you could have seen the rat's nest of wires I inherited......There had been an electrical fire under the hood too. The one wire got me basic functionality so I could focus on other rebuild issues. Now, post restoration, with the new harness, I've got the wires right there ready to go but no connections.

 

The link that 65cj5 listed really explains it better than I have ever seen, if one takes the time to read it...long