40mopar Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 The more direct the better from an electrical perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40mopar Posted February 23, 2020 Author Share Posted February 23, 2020 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostviking Posted March 1, 2020 Share Posted March 1, 2020 (edited) 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) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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