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Posted by David on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 01:45:09 :
In Reply to: Junk yard Caddilac alt, 100 amp, $25 posted by Chriscase on Friday, January 09, 2009 at 21:43:12 :
The 100 amp alternator puts out about 63 amps at 1000 rpm, but this can be increased with an under drive pulley.
For most applications, the advantages of a 3-wire alternator will far surpass a 1-wire installation. Both types have an internal regulator but it’s surprising how much stronger HEI ignition systems work at 14 volts compared to 11 or 12 volts. The same is true with a Vintage Air system, headlights and electric fans etc.
The 1-wire alternator only has a heavy gauge wire connected from the alternator output terminal to the battery. The one big advantage is that not much knowledge is needed to wire it into an electrical system. These alternators have been widely used on marine, agricultural and industrial applications such as boats, tractors and forklifts. They are best suited for applications that need the alternator for charging a battery only. The main difference between the 1-wire and 3-wire alternator is in the internal voltage regulator.
The voltage regulator for the 1-wire alternator is often referred to as self-exciting. After the engine has been started, and the alternator is spinning a small amount of current is developed to turn “on” the regulator. Sometimes the engine has to be revved up once or twice to excite the regulator.
Other advantages of a 3-wire alternator are, you can operate a warning or Idiot Lights on the dash, 3-wire alternator regulators use remote voltage sensing, availability is much better, and they cost less.