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I have a one wire 42amp alternator (no DA plug) I need a larger alternator but they say I need a DA plug to use a 65amp or larger. They are calling it a one wire but still use the DA plug. My question is how do I wire a DA plug, since I don't use one right now I don't have any wires. Thanks for your help. :confused:

Ya know, I seem to recall that about a year or so ago there was a post somewhat similar to this, so I'm certain someone knows your answer. I regret that I can't seem to remember everything that is given on here. Not that I sure don't try-LOL. I'll check around and see if I can come up with anything worth while and try to get back to you. Hope somebody answers you soon.

Alternator link1

The last post on this next link is from the master of alternators,Randy
Alternator link2

Thanks guys I'll have to wire a DA plug in. I didn't know that the one wire alternator doesn't start to charge till about 1500 rpm.

I installed a one wire alt 100 amp on my 52 Chevy 1/2 ton with the Chevy Duty 12 Alt Wiring Harness. If you have a one wire alt now just look for a higher amp alt or have a local generator/alt shop build you one. Forget the DA plug. The chevy duty harness has extra wires that you tape up. There are some other things to do but if you already have the one wire it will be easy.
t

Gents:
If I can hitchhike on this topic I've got another question. I've got a one wire 100 amp alternator that I plan to install in my truck when I rewire it. The question is how can I determine if the alternator is internally or externally regulated?
Thanks!
BUBBAB52

52pu where did you get the 100 amp alternator? Does the pulley extend out any further than a 45 amp alternator? I don't have but maybe 3/16th clearance in front of my alternator. Not sure what the difference is internal or external.

Jim, Rat,
The one wire regulator I have is internatlly regulated. I had my local generator/alt place build me one. It all a matter of changing out the internals to what ever amp you need. Alt use a voltmeter, Generator uses an ampmeter. Don't worry about when it starts to charge, everything will work out. Find something else to worry about - I know what you are going thru. You can also use your original Chevy 6volt on-off ign switch if you like. Sort of off the topic but I would highly suggest to those of you rewiring your vehicle to buy your wiring harness first then buy your alt not the other way around mistake like I did(i.e. get your harness determine how it is wired to your alt and then buy the alt.) My alt shares same pullies as others. If by sticking out you mean beyond where it lines up with the waterpump and damper pullies - you may have to shim with washers on the rod to bring it back some. If you have a harness with the large 10 guage wire, plug-in and the pigtail -and you have a one wire alt just tape up the plugin and pigtail back against the 10 guage wire. To make the chevy duty harness work (no DA plug needed)with the 0ne wire alt I had to extend/add on to the 10 guage wire under the dash run it out and over to the positive terminal on the starter seliniod. There might be other ways to do this however this little piece of information was very difficult to verify and no one seemed to know how to wire it or would say. In addition American Autowire told me they make the harnesses chevy duty sells without instructions. Interesting comment hu? Knowing what I do now I would buy American Autowire as a 12 volt alt harness for my 52 Chevy 1/2 ton. This not a sales pitch or putdown just my hard to come by experience that may help someone else on this board.
Tim

52PU....Did it cost much to have your Gen/Alt place build the internal regulator? Did you have to bring in an alternator? I never thought of that I think I'll make a phone call and find out who can do it in AZ.

Think it was about $60.00 - check around and price it out for an upgrade. I probably overdidit with a 100 amp.

One disadvantage of a one-wire alternator seems to be that it needs to be "excited" and does not start charging until the engine reaches 1200-1500 rpm (mine starts charging at 1200 rpm).

Once the alternator has been "excited", it charges at all rpm from idle upwards (450/500 rpm and upwards). I think some people do not realize this (they think that a one-wire alternator does not charge below 1200-1500 rpm).

If you have read fifthave's post about using a DA plug vs a one-wire alternator, you know that there is another disadvantage related to the lead to the coil remaining hot with the ignition-switch off when using a non-stock ignition. This disadvantage is eliminated if you use a newer ignition switch and attach the lead to the coil to an key-"On" accessory terminal (I think I got this right).

Tim

i went to the local Alt/starter shop and had them wire up a 80 amp alternator for single wire for $80. He said you have to exite it at about 750-800 RPM then it will charge even at idle. I'll just give it a good kick in the butt when I start it and be home free. Now all I need is to install it today. Thanks for all the help.

Rat,
Good decision.
t