Converting Alternator on 5.7L Merc

[sjohnson44]

My current one has a bad stator and the guy at the shop says it is much better and less headache to convert to a one wire alternator. I didnt buy one as I was unsure of the wires on my alternator, plus he didnt have a marine one. He was saying mine externally regulated the voltage, but where is the regulator? Looking at the wiring diagram, the purp/white goes to my choke, red/purp goes to the starter sol. then breaker and then starter, and of course purp is 12V to everything else.
Im also unsure whether or not the alternator FEEDS those wires or vice versa.
Would the wires need to be hooked to the BAT+ and then just hook BAT+ to the alternator and then ground?

I like the idea of going to a one wire alt, but would it be a good idea? Price wise is a no brainer, $50 compared to my $189.

PS
Would it also be beneficial to go to a 100amp alt from a 55amp?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Converting Alternator on 5.7L Merc

You are better off to replace the current alternator with one that is compatible to the existing wiring. I am not sure that the 'mechanic' is on target with his recommendation. Also, get yourself the maintenance manual for your Merc 5.7 as it will have the wiring diagram so you won't be guessing were the wires go, etc.

55 amps should be fine, 65 amps even better . . . what are you going to do with 100 amps?