eZ

how do i hook up this alternator...looks like the new one only takes one wire where as the old one takes 3?

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dodgestang

Run a 10 gauge wire to the positive side of the selonoid.
Tape up the rest of the wires that used to be plugged into the Alt (or remove).
remove the volatage regulator and tape up those wires too.

At least, that's how I would do it.

Since you say "1 wire" that means you have an internally regulated late model alternator...right?

eZ

dont some of the other wires run my lights and such?

Colorado_Mustang

No. The extra wires on the externally regulated alternator are for the regulator (they control whether the alternator is 'on' or not to control the output).

For the single wire, I run a 2 gauge wire with a breaker in series.

dodgestang

Late model 3g alternator installation:
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/26599/

1 wire, internally regulated alternator installation:
Per my instructions above, you can go larger gauge if you chose to. I chose 10 gauge for the 100 amp unit I run.

Your lights are powered though the harness elsewhere, they are not directly connected to the output of the alternator.

Colorado_Mustang

Just being nit-picky (I'm an engineer...what would you expect), but wire can only handle so much current. A decent online reference is here.

Soaring

So, what is the maximum gauge wire for a one wire 100 amp alternator Mike?

eZ

ILL PROBABLY USE THE WIRE THEY GAVE ME WITH THE ALTERNATOR...

dodgestang

Couldn't agree more about the limitation of wire. That's why I ran the 10 gauge solid core for the 12-15 inch length needed in a highly ventilated installation, line does not give off any heat which would be indicative of over powering it even at 3k RPM when the alternator would presummably be at full power. Additionally I have a light load in the car, with the only thing electric being the fan, wipers, and assorted lights. This would puts me at the line of 'minimum' gauge with the 10 gauge. Try not to laugh to hard when I tell you that many 1 wire installation instructions tell you to re-use the stock + wire. Which is decidely thinner than a 10 gauge line.

crunchyskippy

Depends on the length of the run since the longer it is, the more resistance a cable creates. A thicker gauge provides less resistance. Basically, you can get away with a thinner gauge on a short run but would need a thicker gauge on a longer run (given equal current across both scenarios).

Not to skirt your question Soaring, but I'd have to dust off my old books to determine the exact answer!

Also, to add to Dodgestang's post about a "light load in the car": Just because a 100 amp alternator is installed doesn't mean its always sending 100 amps through that cable. Really depends on the amp (current) draw/demand.

Hope that didn't muddy up the understanding for anyone.