3 Wire Alternator

[pspeaks]

I know I'm showing my ignorance again, but here go's.  Remember I said a friend gave me an almost brand new Delco 3-Wire?  I saw him Saturday and mentioned it was a 3-Wire and he said "It is, I didn't know that!  I guess you [meaning me] need a voltage regulator then."  As I'm a 1-Wire guy, my reply was "DUH, I don't know, I don't think so" so I'm asking you fine automotive experts on this here site.

"P"

[BlownMGB-V8]

Probably not but it depends on exactly what you have.

JB

[Bill Young]

Paul, I'm certainly no expert, but I've never run across a GM alternator that required a seperate regulator. All I've seen clear back to the late 60s had a built in regulator. I'm at work now so don't have my wiring manual around but I'll look up the hook up of the GM three wire at home tonight.

[pspeaks]

Thanks guys, I didn't think so either, but I've been wrong so much lately, well, you know, better safe than sorry.

"P"

[Bill Young]

Paul, did some research in my old Haynes manual for my Camaro and at least from 82 to 92 those alternators had a built in regulator, part of the internal diode pack along with the rectifiers. From what I can tell the wires are for the main output to the battery, a sense line that drives the charge indicator lamp on the dash and a +12 line (switched I believe) that activates the field circuit.

[MGBV8]

"All I've seen clear back to the late 60s had a built in regulator"

Bill, my '68 Camaro came stock with a separate regulator & alternator. That has since been rectified.