Alt. change over?

[starsnstripers]

1970 L6 165hp 250ci The original configuration has an external alternator. I would like to put a one wire on it. I believe it's called an integral? or built in regulator. It's a 45 amp alt. So do i just discontinue the old wires from the regulator and use a wire on the hot teminal on the alt up through the amp meter and back to the hot on starter solenoid? thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alt. change over?

Ayuh,.....

You've pretty much Got It......

If it were Me though,.....
I'd tape off the extra wires,+ just run the Hot line to the Starter......
Then ditch the Ampmeter,+ switch to a Volt Meter which can just be tapped off a Switched Hot wire already at the dash......

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Alt. change over?

Thakyou Bondo thats even eisier, got it!

 

[Coors]

Re: Alt. change over?

Ayuh,.....

You've pretty much Got It......

If it were Me though,.....
I'd tape off the extra wires,+ just run the Hot line to the Starter......
Then ditch the Amp meter,+ switch to a Volt Meter which can just be tapped off a Switched Hot wire already at the dash......

So, a voltmeter tells you more about the state of the system?
Amps don't tell you that 12+ volts aren't present?
I also switched to voltmeter. Never have understood why I need to know amps, if 13.7 or so volts ain't there, must not be putting out enough amps..

 

[Don S]

Re: Alt. change over?

Amp meteres are so "Ninteen Seventies" . Not sure what else to call the darned old power robbers.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Alt. change over?

OK OK! I'll put a volt meter in my ole 1970. I like original equipment though geesh! thats if i can find a matching mercruiser gauge. I just bought a complete mercruiser set of gauges so i'd have spares if some of mine dont work. So i now have two amp meters. oh well, go with the flow. I guess if i'm going to change to a one wire alt. then a volt meter change would be ok too. thanks guys

 

[achris]

Re: Alt. change over?

The main disadvantage with the Ammeter is that it requires 2 heavy cables to be run all the way up to the instrument panel... That causes voltage drop, hot cables and fire hazards.... A voltmeter only requires a light duty cable because the current required to run it is measured in micro-amps.... Personal, I like ammeters because I can see exactly how much current is entering or leaving the battery. But I stick with the factory supplied voltmeter because of all the reasons stated above... and I'll know if the alternator is not charging because the meter will be reading 12 volts, not 14 volts.... easy.....

Chris.........