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#868191 07/20/2012 8:23 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
A
New Guy
New Guy
A Offline
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Hey Bolters,

I'm in the process of switching from 6v to 12v on our 53 3600 Chevy. I've got the AC Delco alternator in but need to know if the red or white wire on the pigtail goes to the field (F) wire that was hooked up to the original generator.

I have a pic to send to your email if that would help.

Thanks in advance,

Dave (dad) and Aidan (10 year old son)
Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado
[email protected]

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 43
K
New Guy
New Guy
K Offline
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 43
Look up electrical in the tech tips and you will find help. Good luck.

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,438
Extreme Gabster
Extreme Gabster
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,438
There were several AC Delco alternators. You need to ID what you have before you figure out how to wire it. Does it use an external regulator? You don't want anything going to the generator regulator.


"It's just a phase. He'll grow out of it." Mama, 1964

1956 Chevy 1/2-ton 3100
1953 Chevy 6100 "The Yard dog"
1954 GMC Suburban Now with a new proud owner.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,636
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,636
The red wire can go to the battery terminal on the back of the alternator or to the + side of the batter. Can also go to the main terminal on the starter cable.

So long as it also has 12 Volts to it all the time.

The white wire needs to come of the acc side of the ignition switch if it has one. If not then it will need a diode in the line so that when you turn the switch off the engine will stop.

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 725
R
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
R Offline
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 725
You will have to first find a way to mount your new alternator. Determine if you have an older external regulator unit or the newer internal regulator type of alternator. If you have the latter type, this link should help. http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums...uff/?action=view&current=alt158a.jpg

Best wishes,

Les

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 171
5
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
5 Offline
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 171
Depends on what "guts" are in the alternator. Look around at this Site ....has a bunch of good info. If you put a diode in make sure it is going in the right direction.


....David
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
D
New Guy
New Guy
D Offline
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
I'm in the process of doing the same thing, if you haven't bought the wiring harness already you can get one from American Classic Trucks or Fifth Avenue antique parts, they sell them with the Diode already made up. one wire connects to the out put post on the back of the alternator the other goes to the Ignition side of the coil. Don't worry it's pretty simple.

Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 268
G
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
G Offline
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 268
Best bet is use a single wire alternator.

That way you only have one red hot lead to deal with.

Single wire goes to the "- (neg)" side of amp meter.

Last edited by GMCPic; 08/13/2012 1:42 AM.

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Joined: Mar 2005
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R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,636
I know lots of folks use the one wire, but it really doesn't take much to properly wire the alternator so it properly senses the voltage in the system.

One wires are okay for tractors. Though I always wire up a three wire alternator on tractors too.

Even the newer alternators are not hard to wire properly.


Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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