80vette21

Does anybody know why the alternator ground loops back on itself? There's one ground wire running to the alternator, it runs to a 2 pin connector, but about halfway to the connector it splits into 2 wires. Each goes to one pin, then on the other side of the connector one of the wires loops into the pin where the other wire is coming out, and the other wire runs to the chassis ground.... confusing description, I know .... see the pictures below.

I assume this is necessary for some reason? If not, can I just get run one (larger gauge) ground. While my engine is out I'm cleaning up a lot of wiring, and this is one eye sore that's been bothering me. I hate messy wiring and hoses!

Thanks

80vette21

Bump

No takers on this one??

Peterbuilt

You have too many loose wires for me to try a guess,

Here's a schematic:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...DQ1MmZlYzIwNDI

80vette21

I have a Lectric Limited chassis wiring diagram and AIM. There aren't many loose wires, I just removed the junction cover to access the ground.

I know where the wire goes, it grounds at the front with all the ground wires from the headlights. My question is why the ground doubles back into itself in that connector. It's factory correct according to my wiring diagram (the AIM actually shows the ground looping back into the connector)... I'm curious why it was done and if it is necessary.

This might explain it better...:



-One ground wire grounds to the Alternator case
-This wire then splices into two.
-One of the spliced wire goes to pin 'A' of the connector, the other spliced wire to pin 'B'.
-On the other side of the connector TWO wires come out of pin 'B'. One goes to the chassis ground at the front, the other loops back into pin 'A'.

CA_WxMan

That's interesting. It actually loops around the rest of the harness.
I wonder if it has somehow cuts down on electrical "noise" or interference.

I'm pretty good with basic electric stuff, but that's a bit above my level.

Either way, if the manual or diagrams show it, I'd leave it there.

80vette21

Hmm you might actually be on the right track. I read something about a difference in the harness depending on if the car had a radio tape deck or not. Maybe that's the difference for alternator interference.