Alternator Question: 1 wire vs 3 wire

[SteveM]

My alternator on the B20 Sportsman went bad. I'm in The Bahamas, so getting a replacement involved flying it out here, customs, duty, etc. I can't simply drive back to the auto store and return the new one. ...and I may not have to depending on what information I get from the sandbox.

The old alternator I have learned is called a 3 wire alternator. It has a plastic plug that has 2 wires coming out of it. That alternator has a bad voltage regulator.

The new replacement that I purchased is a 1-wire alternator.

From what I have read today, the 1-wire alternator does not require the "exciter" wire from the ignition to tell it to start charging. I took this as good news for my situation. I would like to believe I can simply install this 1-wire alternator and disregard the two wire plug in the engine box (or terminate it properly).

I figured some of you gear heads could give me proper advice. I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks.

[Bruce]

Thats correct Steve.
Disregard the field and ignition wires, Make sure they are taped up. The one output is all you need. Just make sure it goes back to a good battery source like your main lug on the starter.

[SteveM]

Thank you Bruce!
I'm getting better and better with this stuff. Living remotely, and being retired, allows me to learn as I get my hands greasy.

[Ironworker]

The definition of "Bahamian Engineering" is making something work from just sand and water.

[Bruce]

A customer broke a alternator bracket over in the Bahamas and called when he got back to have me check. There was a .45 spent brass with a 9mm spent brass inside with a hole drilled thru the centers for a spacer..........

[SteveM]

I thought guns were illegal here in The Bahamas????

[Rawleigh]

Now you are splitting hairs Steve! LOL Some have them and most don't! It depends on whether you are with the cartel or not.