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By MplsMike - 6 Years Ago
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Hi all
I installed a one wire alternator on my rebuilt engine. The installation instructions call for a direct connection to the battery. Is there any way to re-purpose the generator light on the dash as an idiot light for the new alternator?
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By charliemccraney - 6 Years Ago
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Probably not easily. You will need something to detect low voltage and then turn on the bulb somehow.
Gauges work well, though. Just make it a habit to check them from time to time.
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By miker - 6 Years Ago
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Charlie’s correct. To run the gen light, you wire it as a 3 wire setup on a lot of them. You should also check your charging voltage at the battery. Most of the time it’s fine, but I’ve had installations where a 1 wire is low at the battery. The 3wire set up cures that also.
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By DryLakesRacer - 6 Years Ago
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There is one of the advertised single wire alternators that actually uses one of the old gen wires going to the reg and does just that. There is a second connection on the back. I don't remember the brand but I'm sure it can be searched.
If I did that I'd miss the soft glow of the red gen light at idle.
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By CSPIDY - 6 Years Ago
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I have a single wire alternator that had a plug cap I had to remove to hook up the wire for the light. works well. I will look through my records for the brand when I get home. purchased it on EBay. you might want to just try searching EBay for it. Mine was made for a 57 Tbird, nice and easy install.
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By miker - 6 Years Ago
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That sounds a lot like the “shorting plug” used on a lot of Delco’s to turn a 3 wire into a 1 wire. Don’t know about other units, and didn’t know you could just run the light. Post the wiring diagram if you can.
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By cokefirst - 6 Years Ago
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If you don't care aout the light, you can always use a voltmeter and if you don't want to hang one below the dash, they make digital ones that are inexpensive an fit into the cigar lighter socket. I like the more authentic look. I used the Power Gen 2 wire (actually 3 because you need a good ground) set up on their alternator that is made to look like the Ford generator. I uesd the stock harness and the original style voltage regulator. I had to cut the internals and re arrange the wire hookups, but I now have a working dash light. The only downside is the expense, The Power Gen is in the $400 range but I love mine and would recommend it to anyone that wants to keep the stock look.
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By CSPIDY - 6 Years Ago
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This is what was sent with my alternator, manufactured by Romaine Electric #7127NSE
Bought on EBay the seller was “b2xu@att.net he sells a lot of alternator kits
remember mine was for a 57 Tbird
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