I just bought from Texas T Parts an alternator for a non-starter/generator 1916 T. It is a single wire set-up. My question is: do I take a wire from the alternator and attach it to one side of a voltage gauge and then on the other side of the gauge to a fuse; and what size fuse, I do not know, and then to the plus side of the battery. Also does anyone know if the magneto will interfere with the alternator, I plan on running the engine with original coils. I just want better headlights for the traffic in an urban area. Any input would be appreciated. Kevin.
In case you didn't get the mounting instructions here they are;
http://www.texastparts.com/mm5/manuals/T5119ALT-Ext.pdf
The question should be covered.
Thanks Mark, But does any one know if an alternator will hurt my mag? Or will the mag hurt my alternator?
The alternator charges the battery. The magneto runs the ignition. They are not connected in any way. Neither one affects the other at all.
There is little point in putting a fuse in series with a voltmeter since it is a high resistance device that draws almost no current at all. You DO want to have a fuse in series with the battery and the car wiring. That fuse should be 25 amps to protect your car wiring but does NOT include the alternator feed that goes directly from the alternator to the battery hot lead. It is a good idea to fuse that lead too but it should be fused at a higher current.
Sounds like the *voltmeter* is the ammeter.
I have an alternator on my T and no, it doesn't have any connection or effect on the mag. What you will notice is you have to increase the RPM to reach the "turn on" RPM for the alternator. I still have a ammeter which can easily be pegged after start up, so keep your RPM down until the battery is brought up. I plan on getting a FP voltmeter as soon as I can afford one as well as running a larger fused wire directly to the battery from the alternator. PK