Alternators???

[dunebuggy18]

Alright, where would the fusible link be? As far as I know there aren't and fusible links in my Jeep. Besides it wouldn't have helped a direct short through the wrench, at least I don't think it would, you never really know where wild electricals will go when they're turned loose.

The attached has a diagram of what the charging system should look like, including fusible links. The discussion is upgrading to a Delco, but the info still applies...

 

[Hedgehog]

Okay, I think most of that article is suspect as to a single wire regulator. I asked the alternator builders about the positives and negatives of the single wire system and they believe there isn't one. As a matter of fact they felt that during low RPM operation it is a better system. These guys have been doing this for a VERY long time and frankly, I trust'em on the subject of alternators. Admittedly, I could be wrong, I guess we will see .

The idea of adding fusible links is a good safety precaution so I will add a couple to the system. one to the wire coming off the alternator and one on the main power wire at the ignition switch. The link still wouldn't have saved my alternator in this situation.

 

[IOPort51]

I was taught that the one wire requires more RPMs to "excite" the charging circuit. Maybe after the system is excited the RPMs can be left but I understand it takes a conscious blip of the throttle to make it start.

I am not prepared to argue this point, I was told this by an electrical engineer but I know he lied to me about a few other things. So take this for what you will.

 

[Old Dog]

I was taught that the one wire requires more RPMs to "excite" the charging circuit. Maybe after the system is excited the RPMs can be left but I understand it takes a conscious blip of the throttle to make it start. .

I run a one wire and it works like IO said. It takes about 1200 rpm's to get mine going.
Once you get it "excited" it puts out at lower rpms.

 

[dunebuggy18]

Either system will work, and while the one wire system is simpler, the main draw back is where the sensing circuit is in the system. For a CJ with both optional equipment installations (you know, On & Off), the one wire is fine. However, the one-wire can be a contributing factor to that wonderful dimming of the headlights at a stop sign. Since it senses voltage at the battery, instead of the dash buss, it may give you a lower actual voltage at components like the headlights or dash accessories due to circuit resistance (length of run, old connections, etc.) - and Old Dog and IO are right about the low RPM reaction of the exciter circuit.

Not saying don't use a one wire alternator, just sayin' understand the pro's & con's...

 

[PaRenegade]

After doing some reading your link may still be okay. Heres something I read:
"NOTES about Fusible Links Only a serious short will cause a Fusible Link to burn–it disconnects a circuit from power just before the rest of the wiring in a circuit would be damaged. Momentary overloads will not burn out a Fusible Link–such as arcing a wrench between ground and an exposed terminal."
Catalog
Another link to a manuf. of fusible link wire.
Weather Pack Environmentally Sealed Connectors | Weatherpack Terminals and Seals | White Products Cleveland Ohio

So I guess they can endure a momentary surge, however a diode most likely cannot.

 

[Hedgehog]

Thank you to everyone that responded in this thread. I know that I learned a thing or two and I hope others did as well.

 

[Hedgehog]

So, finally the jeep was in a position to be started with all the gauges installed. Initially the volt meter was slightly under 12 volts. A quick blip on the gas petal and things started happening. The gauge jumped to ~14 volts and stayed there. This might be a little different ....