Stock Alternator Wiring Question...

[78 Chevyrado]

I have an old ford 801 diesel tractor I'm working on.  I'm wanting to use a stock-for-my-truck 63 amp alternator to replace the generator on the tractor.  It's already 12 volts so that's no problem.  What I want to know is how would I hook a 3 wire alternator like my truck has to the tractor.  The reason i don't want a one-wire alternator is that they cost $100+  whereas the stocker for my truck is only $35.  The one wire would be easier and better, but I only have to wire it up once so it's no biggie.  So what do the two smaller wires in the clip do besides the bigger one that goes to the battery and attaches on a stud on the alternator.  Could I just hook it up with one wire and expect it to work?  The tractor electrical system is SO simple it's crazy, Starter, Glow plugs, and a solenoid for each and a voltmeter guage.

[VileZambonie]

Just hook it up to an ignition on source to the field terminal on the alternator. So when you turn the ignition switch on for the tractor it will have battery voltage at the field terminal.

[VileZambonie]

OK hook it up like this



Connect the brown wire to an ignition switched power source. If you have a charge gauge wire it in series.

[78 Chevyrado]

Perfect!  Thanks Vile!

One more question.  The air that alternator fan pulls in comes from the rear, correct?  I'll have to come up with some kind of dust filter for it, if that's the case.

[choptop]

I have the same alternator on my 8n, and havent had an issue that requires a dust cover. A dust cover really wouldnt deflect any dust because the fan is going to push it through one was or another.

[78 Chevyrado]

That's even better, Thanks chop!