It requires very little current to initially excite the alternator, I don't have any exact amount, but 20 gauge and smaller wire would likely handle it just fine. HOWEVER for simply improved strength and vibration 16 gauge etc may be commonly used. Likewise, a higher amperage rated diode (say a 5 amp or more) with bigger leads (more strength) could suffice, even if not needed.
Instead of a diode and if one just wants to have the added strength, I have used like a 5 or even 10 watt rated 10 ohm resistor instead of a diode as it provides at least somewhat higher degree of safety current limiting and has bigger stronger leads.
ALSO if a person were to use (instead of a diode or resistor) a small tail/marker automotive 12 volt incandescent light bulb, the needed current limiting PLUS a charge indicating idiot light is now at your disposal!!!
FINALLY if you wanna really get fancy I think my friend Bob M has suggested an idiot light in parallel with a resistor so excitation can take place if the bulb were to burn out!!!!!!
BOTTOM LINE you can use a bigger diode,,,,,,,,,,or a 10 ohm resistor(what I usually do) ,,,,,, or an incandescent idiot light
The diode thing is whats been passed down over the years (now an old wives tale or urban legend) as THE way to do it although there are certainly better and other ways to allow for initial alternator excitation plus prevent run on when ign is off when using the Delco 10SI and similar family of three wire alternators
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Talk of the Town: Repairin a Gas Tank - by Staff. This interesting discussion is from the Tool Talk Discussion Forum. Remember that safety is your first priority - make sure you know what you are doing before attempting a potentially dangerous activity!
... [Read Article]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
