pspeaks Paul Speaks Dallas, Texas (698 posts) Registered: 07/20/2009 06:40PM Main British Car: 1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302 |
3 Wire Alternator
I know I'm showing my ignorance again, but here go's. Remember I said a friend gave me an almost brand new Delco 3-Wire? I saw him Saturday and mentioned it was a 3-Wire and he said "It is, I didn't know that! I guess you [meaning me] need a voltage regulator then." As I'm a 1-Wire guy, my reply was "DUH, I don't know, I don't think so" so I'm asking you fine automotive experts on this here site.
"P" Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/28/2010 08:02PM by pspeaks. |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: 3 Wire Alternator
Probably not but it depends on exactly what you have.
JB |
Bill Young Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: 3 Wire Alternator
Paul, I'm certainly no expert, but I've never run across a GM alternator that required a seperate regulator. All I've seen clear back to the late 60s had a built in regulator. I'm at work now so don't have my wiring manual around but I'll look up the hook up of the GM three wire at home tonight.
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pspeaks Paul Speaks Dallas, Texas (698 posts) Registered: 07/20/2009 06:40PM Main British Car: 1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302 |
Re: 3 Wire Alternator
Thanks guys, I didn't think so either, but I've been wrong so much lately, well, you know, better safe than sorry.
"P" |
Bill Young Bill Young Kansas City, MO (1337 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 09:23AM Main British Car: '73 MG Midget V6 , '59 MGA I6 2.8 GM, 4.0 Jeep |
Re: 3 Wire Alternator
Paul, did some research in my old Haynes manual for my Camaro and at least from 82 to 92 those alternators had a built in regulator, part of the internal diode pack along with the rectifiers. From what I can tell the wires are for the main output to the battery, a sense line that drives the charge indicator lamp on the dash and a +12 line (switched I believe) that activates the field circuit.
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MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4516 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: 3 Wire Alternator
"All I've seen clear back to the late 60s had a built in regulator"
Bill, my '68 Camaro came stock with a separate regulator & alternator. That has since been rectified. ;) |