Generator or Alternator

[Plymouthy Adams]

there is a reason the GM alternator uses three wires..yes can use the one output wire excite with RPM but to maintain the battery proper you still need the S (sense) teminal at battery voltage level to ensure proper output..the L terminal also in for more than fault indication..as all the info I can find, never did any GM car leave the factory with only the large wire to the alternator hooked up solo..

[NiftyFifty]

No matter 1, 2 or 3 wires, still a very simple install with a lot more dependability and ease to find replacements or parts.

[Plymouthy Adams]

No matter 1, 2 or 3 wires, still a very simple install with a lot more dependability and ease to find replacements or parts.

not so..but then you need to have an understanding of how things work...

[NiftyFifty]

I've worked in a shop professionally, but thanks for the assumption. If you take a moment and pop the hood of something newer then about 65 you will see the world dropped gens and vr's for a reason..... On top of that I'm sitting at a car show right now and on average 80+% of the customs or not restorations are running GM "1 wire" alternators, so again the car guy population has spoken

[55 Fargo]

Hey are you at the Garden City Show by chance, I should went too, only 25 minutes from my door.

[NiftyFifty]

Nope, charity car show in Brandon today, good turn out and a beautiful day... I split about an hour ago... That sun really got me today for some reason

[55 Fargo]

there is a reason the GM alternator uses three wires..yes can use the one output wire excite with RPM but to maintain the battery proper you still need the S (sense) teminal at battery voltage level to ensure proper output..the L terminal also in for more than fault indication..as all the info I can find, never did any GM car leave the factory with only the large wire to the alternator hooked up solo..

I know with my "1" wire GM alt, all is working well, put on the battery tender not long ago, it was full charge in minutes, so the alt must be keeping the battery up to snuff.

I could have gone the 3 wire route with a GM alt, but chose this rebuilt alt, employing a self energizing module. Apparently if they are not in use fora period of time, you need to excite the alt again with battery wire. I have not had to do this,I have no idea how long this unit will last, Don has 1of these, how many miles does he have on his?

I suppose GM uses all 1 wire hook-ups, used to be for the idiot light, these 1 wire types are all modified 3 wire alts, aren't they?