Hey guys, had a bit of a problem the other day. I had a small fire under the hood, well some burn of wire insulation. The guy had the wiring from the alternator going to the amp guage then back to the positive side of the battery. I don't think that was the problem, I think it shorted out and thats what caused the burning. Anyway my question is, can I just run the wire (one wire alternator) right to the positive side of the battery? I also changed the complete wiring harness, got it for $40 from a local guy who only deals in Cutlass parts. Really good guy to deal with, he has tons of parts. Anyway, have everything almost back together and all wrapped in plastic shields so I dont short out again. JUst want to know if I am ok running that wire direct to the battery??? Oh ya, it is a 69 cutlass S with a 350.

Thanks guys,


Oh and pics to come soon

 

I wired one up like that long time ago it never worked right. I put a volt gage in instead of a Amp gage. One side to ground the other to a hot post on the fuse box when the key is on, it reads up to 18v, most the time at 12 - 14 volts. That way I know I am getting a charge.

 

The single wire alternaters are made to wire straight to the terminal post of the positive on the battery. The best way to do this is to mount an insulated postive 3/8" terminal post on the fender well. Run your postive battery to this then to the starter. install a 3/4" terminal lug on the alternator wire and install on the same post. If you connect to the battery post itself the wire wire will carrode. This also makes a great place to add another fuse box for added items. Install a voltmeter to repace the amp meter. One wire to ground the other to a hot wire that is on when you ignition is on.

Good luck