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Super M single wire

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jeffalex2

04-06-2006 15:41:34

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When I got the SM, it had been converted to 12volt neg gnd, and had an alternator that had been improperly converted to a single wire, and consequently burned up and killed the battery. I went to the NAPA, and they gave me a model 13-430 delco single wire and said it was perfect for old tractors and even has a smaller pulley for the lower rpm's. The resistance between the single wire and ground is 7000 ohms...not much bleed at all, but, it managed to drain the new battery down pretty bad in a week's time. I'm temped to just put a charging system switch on it and hide it somewhere...but am open to better ideas. The battery is under the seat so I am avoiding the battery disconnect at the battery terminal. Thanks for any help!!

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John M

04-06-2006 18:29:37

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 15:41:34

With some fitting and a NORMALLY OPEN oil pressure switch wire the alternator through the OP switch,no OP no drain,when the oil pressure is up,the current wqill flow.I have one piped in at the OP gauge on one of my Ms,works fine and doesnt kill the battery.

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Slappy

04-06-2006 18:02:43

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 15:41:34

When I converted my H, the owner of the near-by generator shop told me that not all single wire alternators are created equal. He sold me one of his and swore up and down that it wouldn't drain my battery (at least not quickly). It cost about $15 more than the Auto Zone alternators, but by golly he was right. I've left the H unattended for up to three months and still had plenty to turn her over.

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4444

04-06-2006 17:19:08

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 15:41:34

I just put a positive ground electronic ignition on a M. It's what they sold me. What can I do about my alternator? I can run it single wire. Thanks-Bob ----Hi-Rex

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the tractor vet

04-06-2006 16:05:48

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 15:41:34

I have never heard of a one wire that will not drain a battery . If i am going to put and alt. on a farmall i use the two wire and BOB m has a nice way of doing it and i have a way of doing it either way works well he uses a lite buld or a diod and i use a CV relay tucked up by the air cleaner .

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Wayne Swenson

04-06-2006 20:53:41

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to the tractor vet, 04-06-2006 16:05:48

We have 2 professional alternator rebuilders here that replace the windings and install the GOOD type 1 wire system. My son"s M has never had the battery run down on it in 6 years of use.
You get what you pay for! I believe the current price is $85.00.

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Nebraska Cowman

04-06-2006 15:57:32

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 15:41:34

can you just run the charging wire through the ignition switch? I am thinking of adding an alternator to one myself.

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jeffalex2

04-06-2006 16:37:14

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to Nebraska Cowman, 04-06-2006 15:57:32

I was thinking of doing that too, but, you would need a high current, DPDT switch, and, space in the elect box on the steering post leaves alot to be desired. I was thinking about wiring up a separate switch, but, if I can find the right relay, I like "Tractor Vet's" idea of a relay. I bet a lighting relay for a jeep or 4x4 would work perfect.

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Bob M

04-06-2006 19:32:51

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to jeffalex2, 04-06-2006 16:37:14

Cowman & jeffalex - Don't do it!!

Interrupting the load ciruit between the alternator and the battery with the engine running can burn up the alternator in an instant! (Ask me how I know...!)

Better solutions:

1 - Get a better quality (ie. more expensive) single wire alternator - one that drains only a small amount of current when shutdown. (The Mercuiser single wire marine alternators are excellent for this, but they are costly). Or swap in a "low drain" single wire regulator into your existing alternator.

2 - Dump the single wire alternator altogether and replace it with a standard 3 wire alternator setup. The only additional parts needed are 5' or so of #14 wire and a 50 cent light bulb (or 99 cent diode if you don't want to use a light).

My 2 cents...

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Bob

04-06-2006 22:08:05

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Re: Super M single wire in reply to Bob M, 04-06-2006 19:32:51

Here's a simple harness, with a 1N5008 diode in the lead to the #1 "switched excite" terminal.

Easy and cheap to make up, no GOOFY special "one-wire" alternator needed, and it will start charging at low RPM's

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