Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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#476731 12/06/22 11:24 PM
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Jonjet Offline OP
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Since my 55 now has an Alternator instead of a Generator can the wiring (which is not hooked-up right now) be made to work for the Alternator?


Jon T.
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Jonjet #476733 12/06/22 11:28 PM
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Cars with alternators had battery volt gauges or warning lights becuse the alternaor DC does not work an ammeter.


Gene Schneider
Jonjet #478951 02/16/23 05:54 PM
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I may not have asked this question quite right. My 55 now has an alternator instead of a generator. Can the wiring now be made so the warning light comes on like it did with the generator? It does not have an ammeter. It has a warning light which is what I want to work.


Jon T.
Jonjet #478953 02/16/23 06:18 PM
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NO, because the alternator is always charging ( a low amout at idle) where as the geneator does not.


Gene Schneider
Chev Nut #478957 02/16/23 08:19 PM
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Gene

Shouldn't he be able to wire his warning light into the alternator exciter circuit as it was in 1963 trucks for example?

Then if the alternator stops charging for what ever reason (broken belt for example), battery voltage pushes current back to the alternator and the light lights?

(As I believe it did on the aforementioned truck.)

Last edited by Stovblt; 02/16/23 08:25 PM.

Ole S Olson
Stovblt #478958 02/16/23 08:27 PM
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For the benefit of those here more knowledgeable then I,

What alternator are you running?


Ole S Olson
Jonjet #478959 02/16/23 08:40 PM
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Just turning on the ignition with out the engine running should turn on the light.


Gene Schneider
Jonjet #478962 02/16/23 09:24 PM
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I'm running a two wire alternator.


Jon T.
Jonjet #478966 02/16/23 11:26 PM
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Alright
If I remember this right...
You will of course have the heavy wire coming off the main terminal of the alternator, which will be connected essentially directly back to the battery and thus "live" at all times.
You will also have a smaller exciter wire going to the alternator, probably from the engine ignition terminal on the key (ignition) switch.
Route that smaller wire THROUGH the generator/alternator light on the dash.

Now when you turn the ignition on, but the engine and alternator aren't running, the current running to the alternator to excite it (needed to get it to start charging as your alternator won't have a permanent magnet to form an initial magnetic field for start up) the exciter current will be lighting the light.

When the engine and alternator are running and the alternator is charging, the alternator will produce voltage at that exciter terminal which will push back against the current in the exciter wire, and cancelling it out/stopping it.
So the light goes out.

If the alternator stops charging for whatever reason while the engine is still running, battery voltage again overcomes the lack of voltage at the alternator end of the exciter wire, and current again flows through your light.
So the light comes on.

Hope this helps, and is what you were looking for.

PS
If I'm wrong here, someone please correct me and help this fellow out! :-)

Last edited by Stovblt; 02/16/23 11:28 PM.

Ole S Olson
Jonjet #478968 02/16/23 11:50 PM
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Wow, you're explanation sounds great! I'll try it in a couple of days when it warms up.


Jon T.
Jonjet #478982 02/17/23 05:22 PM
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I hasn't warmed up but I went out in the Garage anyway and wired up the Light Socket. Lights up with key on, goes off when Engine starts. Looks like it worked, Thanks!!


Jon T.
Jonjet #478987 02/17/23 07:30 PM
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Glad to hear it! 👍


Ole S Olson

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