Alternator replacement

[76NautiquePete]

Well a dead battery after my last trip turns out to be an alternator problem. Its a "classic" Prestolite - I think it the original to my boat (1976 Nuatique w/351 PCM).

A local alternator/starter repair shop bench tested it and stated diodes and some other part are shot. He recommends a new marine unit and states it will only have one (1) wire, the positive (+) wire to connect. When I asked about all the three (3) other wires he indicated I'll no longer need them and to just remove or tape off.

I'm a bit hesitant... does anyone have experience with this conversion? I'd rather find a direct replacement unit if possible. Something about messing with the wiring on this old boat concerns me!

[wake_fun]

RE: Alternator replacement

Call up White Lake Marine or skidim.com and see if there is an upgrade high output marine alternator for your boat.

[EchoLodge]

RE: Alternator replacement

I had a shop make me a 95 amp marine alternator from a delco unit. $200 and it is the one wire like you described. Works great on my 90 Sport.

[76NautiquePete]

RE: Alternator replacement

Well I put new "one wire" alternator back in today and fired right up.... and seems to be charging as well. After discussing my concerns with the shop that built the replacement unit he indicated the "other" wires were for my old regulator and no longer needed. New alternator has built in regulator. My wiring diagram confirmed this. I left old wires taped up for the short term... just to be sure. After system proves operable I'll pull them out. So for now it seems all is well! Thanks!

[Rick]

RE: Alternator replacement

The big thing about the single wire is that it has the regulator built in and starts charging by itself at around 1600 rpm. ( alternator not Boat) They are really nice and I put one on my 66 Barracuda 7 years ago and it's still going strong.