Just to clarify. The link that was posted by ndkid and Tim has a post from me. If that is what ndkid is referring to when he says he learned there is no such thing as a one wire alternator, the post does say that there is a one wire alternator. It says the only true one wire is the alt advertised and sold as a one wire alt. It has been modified internally. All the rest are user modified in various ways, as explained. Adding just one hot wire to an SI is a one wire in name only. The diagram, posted by Tim in that post shows just one wire to hot. I don't know if the alternator he uses is a "factory" aftermarket one wire or a SI type just wired with one hot. I am pretty sure it's an actual one wire alternator. Tim knows what he is doing. Others need to investigate the issue. I did say that a true one wire "immediately starts charging".
I tried to point out in the other post that the word "one" is a misnomer in some cases. The word "one wire" can mean one wire visible anywhere on the alternator using an SI (the hot wire). It can mean one wire leaving the alternator after other jumper wires are installed. It can mean an actual one wire designed alternator. My "thesis" explains all that. There are so many wiring diagrams on the web regarding "one" wire alternators. I just recommend everyone study the issue before choosing one or the other diagram.
The diagram posted by Tim, he describes as early internet, is only to be used on a true one wire alternator in my opinion. I believe that is what he uses it for. As I said, so many diagrams, just be careful.
I know what Chris meant. It can be taken literally though.
