Alternator: 3 wire vs. 1 wire

[nick_vw]

So i have a self exiting 1 wire on my boat that failed, but i have a replacement 3 wire that is rebuilt. Where should i hook up the exciter wire? I really do not want to run it all the way up to the ignition switch, i was hoping to be able to hook it to something in the stern/engine compartment that's live only when key is on. Will the coil work?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alternator: 3 wire vs. 1 wire

You don't want to pick up power from the coil because the coil receives it's power through the resistor wire.
Here is a wiring diagram I have posted several time.

View attachment 470 wiring w alt.pdf