Alternator Hookup
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Joined: Aug 2001
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Alternator Hookup
Does anyone know the proper way to hookup an alternator. I'm replacing the generator/regulator combo. I know that the post with the red washer goes to (+) battery. What about the other post? (-) battery? What about the connector with the red and white wires. I believe the red one goes to the key accessory wire and then the white one goes to (-) battery? Should there be fuses involved.
[img]C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\NewDownloads\Camera\V ette\My_58Vette\Alternator.jpg[/img]
I think it's funny how difficult it is to find this information.
[img]C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\NewDownloads\Camera\V ette\My_58Vette\Alternator.jpg[/img]
I think it's funny how difficult it is to find this information.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 28
From: CA central coast
Re: Alternator Hookup (aobrien)
You didn't say what kind of alternator you are installing. Here is some info on an internally-regulated alternator from a TYriumph website, perhaps it'll be of some help to you:
Alternator Wiring Connections
All internally regulated alternators have the same basic electrical connections. By comparing the descriptions below, it will be easy to change the instructions to suit the alternator you have chosen. If there is any doubt, take this write-up, along with the instructions for your particular car, to an alternator repair shop, and ask the counter man to identify the connections for you. Most places will be glad to oblige you, for a minimal fee, if any. Alternators typically have four external connections to the automobile's electrical system:
1.Ground. This is usually through the case, but some units require a separate connection, usually for the solid state regulator inside the case. If your unit requires a
separate ground, run a short wire from the alternator to a convenient point on the engine block, or the chassis. If the connection is required for the regulator, a small wire, 14 Ga., is adequate. If it's for the alternator itself, use the same size ground wire as you are using for the output, at least 10 Ga., preferably 8 Ga.
2.Output. This connection carries the charging current from the alternator to the battery, and corresponds to the screw terminal on the back of the GM unit. It connects directly to the battery, usually at the battery connection on the starter solenoid, or to the ammeter, if you car has one. This wire will be either Brown, or Brown with a colored stripe, in a Triumph.
3.Sensing. This wire connects to the battery, either directly, or via some connection in the main battery supply circuit. Typically, it connects to the battery side of the
fuse block. It's purpose is to monitor the system voltage, and increases or decreases the charging rate, depending on the system load and/or battery condition. This is a smaller wire than used for the output, and is usually Brown or Brown with a colored stripe. This connections corresponds to terminal 2 on the GM unit. In some cases, this wire is self-contained within the alternator, and there will not be a connection for this function. If so, just omit, or insulate and tie off, the equivalent wire in the GM instructions.
4.Indicator. This lead receives voltage from the ignition switch, through the charge warning lamp, when the key is turned on, but the engine is not running. This serves two purposes - it gives a visual warning that the alternator is not charging, and provides the initial current to get the unit to charge until it can provide it's own charging current. This wire is almost always Brown/Yellow in a Triumph, and corresponds to terminal 1 on the GM unit.
Alternator Wiring Connections
All internally regulated alternators have the same basic electrical connections. By comparing the descriptions below, it will be easy to change the instructions to suit the alternator you have chosen. If there is any doubt, take this write-up, along with the instructions for your particular car, to an alternator repair shop, and ask the counter man to identify the connections for you. Most places will be glad to oblige you, for a minimal fee, if any. Alternators typically have four external connections to the automobile's electrical system:
1.Ground. This is usually through the case, but some units require a separate connection, usually for the solid state regulator inside the case. If your unit requires a
separate ground, run a short wire from the alternator to a convenient point on the engine block, or the chassis. If the connection is required for the regulator, a small wire, 14 Ga., is adequate. If it's for the alternator itself, use the same size ground wire as you are using for the output, at least 10 Ga., preferably 8 Ga.
2.Output. This connection carries the charging current from the alternator to the battery, and corresponds to the screw terminal on the back of the GM unit. It connects directly to the battery, usually at the battery connection on the starter solenoid, or to the ammeter, if you car has one. This wire will be either Brown, or Brown with a colored stripe, in a Triumph.
3.Sensing. This wire connects to the battery, either directly, or via some connection in the main battery supply circuit. Typically, it connects to the battery side of the
fuse block. It's purpose is to monitor the system voltage, and increases or decreases the charging rate, depending on the system load and/or battery condition. This is a smaller wire than used for the output, and is usually Brown or Brown with a colored stripe. This connections corresponds to terminal 2 on the GM unit. In some cases, this wire is self-contained within the alternator, and there will not be a connection for this function. If so, just omit, or insulate and tie off, the equivalent wire in the GM instructions.
4.Indicator. This lead receives voltage from the ignition switch, through the charge warning lamp, when the key is turned on, but the engine is not running. This serves two purposes - it gives a visual warning that the alternator is not charging, and provides the initial current to get the unit to charge until it can provide it's own charging current. This wire is almost always Brown/Yellow in a Triumph, and corresponds to terminal 1 on the GM unit.
