Alternator wires Race car
10-24-2014, 04:30 AM
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Alternator wires Race car
The wiring on my race car caught fire due to a oil leak. I'm rewiring the car and have a question on the alternator connections. It has a two pin connector and a heavy gauge red wire [ goes to bat + ]. I know the one connector wire goes to a switched +12 line. Where does the other wire connect??
Thanks for info
Thanks for info
10-24-2014, 09:26 AM
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You are correct about the red wire - goes to hot side of cut off switch (as in always hot with battery terminals hooked up). As far as the other wires, depends on what type/size alternator. We ran into this problem with our racecar. I sought info from a place that rebuilds alternators to get the correct wiring. You can search for your particular alternator online perhaps. When I get a chance to look at the racecar, I'll try to get info to you on how we did it with our 140 amp.
10-24-2014, 10:44 AM
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You are correct about the red wire - goes to hot side of cut off switch (as in always hot with battery terminals hooked up). As far as the other wires, depends on what type/size alternator. We ran into this problem with our racecar. I sought info from a place that rebuilds alternators to get the correct wiring. You can search for your particular alternator online perhaps. When I get a chance to look at the racecar, I'll try to get info to you on how we did it with our 140 amp.
10-24-2014, 12:09 PM
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The car is in another State at this time. However, I now remember taking it to a local automotive shop that had a really sharp fellow working behind the counter that looked at the 4 wire jack. He simply twisted 2 of the legs (depends upon which alternator you have) together and showed me where to wire the ignition lead. It would be so nice if these things were universal. Unfortunately, they're not. Maybe I can get that info to you in a few days but you will still need to know which alternator you have. As I said, ours is a 140 amp GM type.
10-24-2014, 01:10 PM
#5
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If it is a simple 2 pin it probably goes to an idiot light.
12v is supplied to one side via the ignition and when the alternator turns on it provides gnd to the other pin for the light to indicate charging ... that is how my Ford one works. Needs a current limiting resistor in-line also.
If it is in the car you can check it. Key on and see if it has 12v ... run the car and see what the other pin does. If the regulator is bad it will not turn on.
Depending on your car and alternator you may find it here:
Alternator wiring
12v is supplied to one side via the ignition and when the alternator turns on it provides gnd to the other pin for the light to indicate charging ... that is how my Ford one works. Needs a current limiting resistor in-line also.
If it is in the car you can check it. Key on and see if it has 12v ... run the car and see what the other pin does. If the regulator is bad it will not turn on.
Depending on your car and alternator you may find it here:
Alternator wiring