Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Pecan tree shaker with a 1968 Dodge engine.  It is working fine but I want to buy me a spare alternator.  Checking with the salvage yard I find all they have are Two (2) wire alternators.  Mine on the engine is a One (1) wire.  Can I put  a jumper wire across the two  and make it work or would it probably damage the windings. Appreciate some help--Will

Hello Pecanmanwill:

I am working off of memory but here it goes...Do not connect the two terminals together!

As I recall, the two terminals will be B+ (Battery lead that goes to the positive post of battery), F (Field post that controls the regulator).  And of course the alternator needs to be grounded.  As the alternator runs and a volt meter is placed on the B terminal and ground, the voltage will increase when the engine speed increases.  The F terminal voltage will decrease when the engine speed increases.  I remember that if the two terminals are wired together, the alternator will give out full power and will overcharge your battery and ruin it 

I hope that there might be others with a better handle on this more than me and hope that the respond.

bbwb

Will - I would weigh the cost of the "used" junkyard alternator versus a rebuilt one. Usually a rebuilt alternator can be had for under $40 at most auto parts shops. DEFINITELY DO NOT jump the 2 terminals as you will probably fry the alternator. But I want to say that there IS A WAY to use a 2 wire alternator in a single wire application. I'll have to do some digging in my old Motor Manuals for some particulars.

Marty

Tom---The Lord has been so good to me.  I feel you, Marty, and bbwb  are right.  I was afraid to jump them.  They are both marked field.  It has a seperate terminal for the battery voltage.  I am going to take it to a auto supply place that checks them for nothing and see what they do to check it.  If it is bad  I will probably buy a rebuilt one as you recommended.  Thanks again and the Lord watch over you and your families, today, and always---Will