Alternator Wiring Question

[40mopar]

Just got a '46 Merc that has been converted to single wire alternator.  The wire is connected directly to the battery at the starter switch rather than through the ammeter.

Is this a problem other than the fact that the gauge is of no value?

 

Thanks

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

No.  Will work fine.  I have a volt meter in my Buick.  That wire from alternator should be a minimum 10 Ga. I use 8 GA.

 

  Ben

 

  

[JACK M]

Often a one wire alternator wont show a charge at start up.

I good goose will help to excite the rectifier.

I have a couple that do this, I always wait for a bit of a warm up before the goose.

Use a volt meter that turns on with the ignition, easy peasy.

[Bloo]

The more direct the better from an electrical perspective.

[40mopar]

Thanks very much for the info.  I was also wondering about the wire gauge, so that's helpful.

Was going to use #10 but will now go with #8.

 

Thanks again.

[lostviking]

Over kill never hurt anyone in wiring. Here is a link for future use. Remember to use the amps for the number of strands you have...

 

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wire-gauges-d_419.html

Edited March 1, 2020 by lostviking (see edit history)