One wire alternators

[pruett365]

I recently had faulty alternator catch fire (burned up the day it was installed) that toasted my charging wire. I then chose to use a one wire alternator by Powermaster so that I wouldn't need to replace the wiring harness, thus saving money. When the alternator arrived it was too big to fit the factory mounting bracket.
I am wondering if anyone has a 1988 2.9L and has chosen to use a one wire alternator and have found one that actually fits?

 

[pruett365]

After reading the tech library about alternators, it is mentioned that the 2.9 has an odd alternator design when compared to others. The alternator for the 2.9 has a mounting point at 2 o'clock and 6 o'clock whereas most other alternators have them at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock; this is where the one wire alternators all seem to be at.

 

[pruett365]

It would be great if anyone knows of a fabricated mounting bracket that would allow for the more common style alternators.

 

[mjonesjr]

I got a 185A unit from www.motorcityreman.com for my '86 2.9. It was in the factory case and was converted to a 1 wire unit. I have been running it for about 9 months without any problems.

 

[holyford86]

a fabricated bracket like this?

 

[mjonesjr]

If you put a bracket like that on there, you need to be careful that you don't get the alternator pulley out of alignment with the crank pulley.

I ran a 200A PowerMaster for a while with a bracket similar to that. I kept breaking belts. Come to find out, it was because my bracket had thrown the pulleys out of alignment.

 

[holyford86]

the lower mounting ear is exactly the same. there is no possible way that that bracket could pull it out of alignment. Its to hold tension on the belt and that's it. I have been running this exact bracket for 3.5-4 years with no issues other than the alternator eating a belt once a year due to the high load on the belt. 200 amps or even 130 amps like I have, takes alot more power to produce than the stock output of 65 amps. A piece of wooden dowel 1/2 inch in diameter will help you to line up your pulleys or to just check the alignment for piece of mind.

 

[pruett365]

Thank you both. I have ordered the alternator from place mjones mentioned and will know if it will work in a few weeks.

 

[mjonesjr]

It will work. I love mine. It bolted in without any mods and works like a champ!

 

[pruett365]

What did you use for a charging wire?

 

[mjonesjr]

I ran 2AWG from the alternator to the battery terminal and then 4AWG to the solenoid on the inner fender.

 

[pruett365]

Awesome, you've been very helpful. Thanks again.