I will not use a one wire alternator again.

[jerryinmich57]

As you all know I used a one wire alternator on Stella's conversion.
It charges great so I am still glad I did the conversion BUT
About a third of the times I shut her off I hear a loud buzzing sound comming from the alt. until I pull the fuse then I can plug it back in And all is good so maybe I just got a bad one but I know I will never buy another one wire again.
I don't know if anyone has had this happen but I would advise againist using one.
As I said in another post I will put a relay in the main line so it will work like a regular alternator and cut the power when she is off.
Jerry

 

[dan filipi]

The regulator went bad in mine once so far.
Next time it happens I'm having it redone back to using an exciter wire because as a one wire they draw a tiny amount of current when not running which I don't like because it drains the battery.

 

[ddrichard]

my alt from a 95 civic uses an exciter wire to the fuse panel :Egyptian: so other than that is stella running good?

 

[jerryinmich57]

Yes she is running great we went out for about a 100 mile hike last night.
bright lights and tunes all the way. it is so nice not to have to wonder about having enough juice in the battery to get home and just be able to enjoy the ride and the cool night air.
Mounted a relay in the system today so that should take care of everything now.
Jerry

 

[slabghost]

Super mods!

 

[badorderbob]

I was able to get mine to run and Has the 1-wire :yes: and ,.......... NO Bees abuzzing after I shut her down!! :Egyptian: I even used an engine Mechanic's Stethoscope and all was Quite :yahoo: !!! Cold you have a bad alt.? Later :hi: Bob

 

[jerryinmich57]

I was able to get mine to run and Has the 1-wire :yes: and ,.......... NO Bees abuzzing after I shut her down!! :Egyptian: I even used an engine Mechanic's Stethoscope and all was Quite :yahoo: !!! Cold you have a bad alt.? Later :hi: Bob

Could be a bad one but I now have a relay wired in the circuit so no more buzzing. but you did not need help to hear it as soon as I took off my helmet I could hear it.
Jerry

 

[badorderbob]

I was able to get mine to run and Has the 1-wire :yes: and ,.......... NO Bees abuzzing after I shut her down!! :Egyptian: I even used an engine Mechanic's Stethoscope and all was Quite :yahoo: !!! Cold you have a bad alt.? Later :hi: Bob

Could be a bad one but I now have a relay wired in the circuit so no more buzzing. but you did not need help to hear it as soon as I took off my helmet I could hear it.
Jerry

Jerry that's interesting about the relay aahh, what kind relay and how did ya wire it? Pic, if you have them :yes: :good: !! Thanks, :hi: Bob

 

[jerryinmich57]

I know everyone is running 8 gauge wire and a 50 amp fuse.
But I am only running a 30 amp fuse and 10 gauge wire because I had them around.
As far as my calculations go the power needs for Sella it should not need more than 30 amps if she does the fuse should let me know and so far so good.
We have about 300 miles on her at least 100 with all lights and radio on and so far no problems.
The relay was from autozone 30 or 40 amp it has 4 terminals.
1 for ground
1 for acc. terminal (power with key on)
and 2 for the 10 gauge wire comming from alt. and battery.
Jerry

 

[dan filipi]

I know everyone is running 8 gauge wire and a 50 amp fuse.
But I am only running a 30 amp fuse and 10 gauge wire because I had them around.
As far as my calculations go the power needs for Sella it should not need more than 30 amps if she does the fuse should let me know and so far so good.
We have about 300 miles on her at least 100 with all lights and radio on and so far no problems.
The relay was from autozone 30 or 40 amp it has 4 terminals.
1 for ground
1 for acc. terminal (power with key on)
and 2 for the 10 gauge wire comming from alt. and battery.
Jerry

I used 10 gauge wire too.
At first I used a 30 amp blade fuse holder which melted.
Changed that out and found the holder was getting very hot.
All this heat and never once did a fuse blow.

I went with a 30 amp circuit breaker, the auto reset type.
I've seen it "open" a couple times when I was testing it. It took a low battery and all 4 driving lights on to do it.