Diode number

Rich'sToys · Feb 12, 2022

Does anyone have the number of the diode used when doing alternator conversions? I had a package of 3 or 4 that I had bought from Radio Shack and used them all up. I had brought the empty package into the house, but before I could get more the package disappeared. I'm assuming the wife thought it was garbage and threw it out. If anyone has the number for that diode I would appreciate it.
And no, I'm not interested in using an idiot light or going with a one wire alternator, so save your breath there.
Thanks in advance!

Bob M · Feb 12, 2022

1N4002, 4003, 4004, etc will all work fine.

I use 1N4004 since they are cheap (about 50
cents or so) and commonly available.

wore out · Feb 12, 2022

(quoted from post at 11:37:30 02/12/22) Does anyone have the number of the diode used when doing alternator conversions? I had a package of 3 or 4 that I had bought from Radio Shack and used them all up. I had brought the empty package into the house, but before I could get more the package disappeared. I'm assuming the wife thought it was garbage and threw it out. If anyone has the number for that diode I would appreciate it.
And no, I'm not interested in using an idiot light or going with a one wire alternator, so save your breath there.
Thanks in advance!

I use 1N5408 diodes (and have posted the number here many times), they are rated 3 Amps and 1000 PIV, the 1N4004's are only rated at 1 Amp (which is a little fragile for the job), but are about the same price.

1N5408's are from 12 cents to about a buck apiece on ebay (shipped) depending upon the quantity you buy, plenty cheap. IMHO.

John T · Feb 12, 2022

I've used all sorts of them over the years and recall they were like 5 amp rated (even if more than necessary they had bigger heavier leads)
and at least 100 Volts. Ive also instead just used resistors to prevent ignition backfeed which worked fine.

John T

onefarmer · Feb 12, 2022

I've gotten by with an old diode trio where at least one diode was still good.

Rich'sToys · Feb 12, 2022

Thanks for the Feedback. I was going through some of the wiring diagrams I had saved, and one of them listed Radio Shack #276-1661. I suspect that's what my other ones were. I have no idea what they are rated at. I will look into the numbers given here. Thanks again!

One other quick question. Is 10 gauge wire heavy enough for the main wire from the alternator to the amp gauge, or should it be 8? Been a while since I did my others, but I'm thinking I probably used 10.

tomturkey · Feb 12, 2022

Radio Shack 1N5402 3A 200V, part # 2761143. I am out now so where ever you find them please post the results of your search.
Thanks gobble

Janicholson · Feb 12, 2022

If your using an alternator rated at 60+ amps, I would use 8gauge. Less than that 10 is fine. Jim

Andy Wickiser · Feb 12, 2022

276-1661 was 6 Amp 50 PIV

old · Feb 12, 2022

I posted that number many years ago and it is super over rated for the job at something like 400 volts and 50 amps if I remember right

warbaby · Feb 12, 2022

Heres the one I use. You can find them in any GM fusebox near you. 4 bucks each at the dealer, or a dollar a handful at the scrapyard. Solder them into your
circuit or get an inline mini fuse holder at your auto parts store and youre in business!

John T · Feb 12, 2022

QUESTION

Is 10 gauge wire heavy enough for the main wire from the alternator to the amp gauge, or should it be 8? Been a while since I did my others,
but I'm thinking I probably used 10.

That depends on the alternators max charging current. I would use NO LESS than 10 Gauge but preferably 8 to reduce line voltage drop AGAIN
IT DEPENDS ON MAX CURRENT If you know that and the distance you can better DETERMINE The proper wire size

John T

MSD · Feb 12, 2022

We use 1 wire alternators and the shop we get them from has one built right into the plug in adapter. Just hook the wires up as directions show and good to go.

stevieb49829 · Feb 12, 2022

Rich, send me an address and I'll send you one. I recently bought 5 of the 6 amp/ 50 volt ones off eVay and I only needed the one for my conversion. steve

Rich'sToys · Feb 12, 2022

(quoted from post at 20:27:05 02/12/22) Rich, send me an address and I'll send you one. I recently bought 5 of the 6 amp/ 50 volt ones off eVay and I only needed the one for my conversion. steve

Thanks, Steve! That would be great. Not sure how to do email through this site, but send me a regular email and I'll give you my mailing address.

judyandrich (at) frontiernet (dot) net

Pappy · Feb 13, 2022

Good to hear from you. I was hoping you were not down with the bug.

Carls70 · Feb 13, 2022

(quoted from post at 13:37:30 02/12/22) Does anyone have the number of the diode used when doing alternator conversions? I had a package of 3 or 4 that I had bought from Radio Shack and used them all up. I had brought the empty package into the house, but before I could get more the package disappeared. I'm assuming the wife thought it was garbage and threw it out. If anyone has the number for that diode I would appreciate it.
And no, I'm not interested in using an idiot light or going with a one wire alternator, so save your breath there.
Thanks in advance!

I've used this supplier many times with good success.
Jameco Electronics, great customer service and reasonable prices.

Here is a link to the diode wore-out mentioned:
https://www.jameco.com/z/1N5408-Major-Brands-Diode-1N5408-1000-Volt-3-Amp-General-Purpose-Rectifier_36273.html

A slightly larger version (bigger leads)
https://www.jameco.com/z/P600M-Major-Brands-Diode-P600M-General-Purpose-RectifierDiode-1000-Volt-6-Amp_2230011.html

Carl

stevieb49829 · Feb 13, 2022

Rich, I sent you an email through your address. If you want to use the YT email contact, go to my reply and push the send email button in the lower right corner of the reply. That opens up an avenue to send one secure through YT. A lot of folks don't open up their email until they get in a conversation where it's needed. steve

old · Feb 13, 2022

My mom brought it home and she at 96 kicked its butt and so did I

Diode number

Rich'sToys

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Bob M

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wore out

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John T

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onefarmer

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Rich'sToys

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tomturkey

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Janicholson

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Andy Wickiser

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old

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warbaby

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John T

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MSD

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stevieb49829

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Rich'sToys

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Pappy

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Carls70

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stevieb49829

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old

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