Hooking up the Delco Alternator to my tractor. I understand the white wire on the alternator plug needs to go to switched power and typically has a warning light in between. Can an LED be used or does it have to be an incandescent bulb? I have lots of nice panel mount LED's that I could use.
Do I need a bulb at all? Can it just go to switched power?
I'd say it could be a LED, the field circuit is only hot when the ignition is first switched on, then the alternator takes over.
If not charging at all, the lamp stays fully lit. The main thing with an incandescent is, just a slight loss of charging or the beginnings of failure should light it gradually. We've all seen that super dim and faint alt lamp telltale.
The LED will likely be either on or off with no gradient due to varying current.
Oh, and I'd think no need for any bulb.
-- Edited by cdnpont on Friday 6th of May 2022 10:02:12 PM
__________________
67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 69 Parisienne Convertible.
Ive read the light is needed to excite the internal regulator.
__________________
63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Successfully installed the alternator. What should have taken an hour at best took about 10! I completelty rewired the tractor with fuses, properly soldered terminals, a junction block and a key switch. We now have working aftermarket gauges and an idiot light for the charging system. The tractor started right up with a flick of the key. The volt gauge showed over 14 volts. Tomorrow we install some LED headlights.
Just finishing up a rewire of my boat and moving my dual batteries from the stern to the center console. The nest of old wiring you find in cars, tractors, and boats is very satisfying to see replaced. The double wall adhesive lined heat shrink is very strong and waterproof BTW. Got some of it from Princess Auto.
__________________
63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
