Alternator Question
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 33
From: North Port Florida
charging
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
I tend to forget to warn people about this because it's second nature. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FIRST, BEFORE DOING ANY WORK ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This warning is especially critical when working on the starter or alternator circuits, where large wires can carry significant currents and arc weld parts to the metal engine block or frame members.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 431
Likes: 2
should this clip be plugged in somewhere? This is making me nervous
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Yes.
I tend to forget to warn people about this because it's second nature. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FIRST, BEFORE DOING ANY WORK ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This warning is especially critical when working on the starter or alternator circuits, where large wires can carry significant currents and arc weld parts to the metal engine block or frame members.
I tend to forget to warn people about this because it's second nature. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FIRST, BEFORE DOING ANY WORK ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This warning is especially critical when working on the starter or alternator circuits, where large wires can carry significant currents and arc weld parts to the metal engine block or frame members.
Last edited by GCG; Sep 19, 2018 at 08:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
There is a 10 Gauge Fusible Link between the alternator's output post and the starter solenoid-battery path. Running that extra wire, would render this protection useless.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
I wouldn't recommend doing that... In fact, that's a critical hazard considering the huge currents that could potentially flow in that circuit.
There is a 10 Gauge Fusible Link between the alternator's output post and the starter solenoid-battery path. Running that extra wire, would render this protection useless.
There is a 10 Gauge Fusible Link between the alternator's output post and the starter solenoid-battery path. Running that extra wire, would render this protection useless.
Adding relatively small wires to the charging system or ground system in a vehicle is almost always a really bad idea. They might function as intended when everything is working (almost) properly, but when there's a problem, they can provide alternate paths for current, and if the wire is small and ends up being an alternate path for starter current, the small wire can catch fire and cause all kinds of damage when it overheats from the overload from the starter. I've seen some older vehicles where if the main ground strap fails, the (mechanical) speedometer cable ended up being the only remaining ground path for the starter, and those vehicles had some really spectacular events if the main ground strap(s) corroded through from road salt damage.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 33
From: North Port Florida
Alternator
The reason I added an additional circuit to the alternator is because the factory setup runs to the starter solenoid, then the starter. Well, with all the heat in that area, there tends to be high resistance at the starter terminal which limits the amps the alt can send to the battery. I of course also cleaned that starter terminal before I added the additional wire. I also insulated that six guage wire with corregated plastic tubing. I am an ASE certified master tech with over fifty yrs experience, so I resent someone, even Bill Curlee from questioning my methods. By the way, the cable has been there for two yrs. and no warning lights or problems and the starter cranks the car better than it ever did.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
I wouldn't recommend doing that... In fact, that's a critical hazard considering the huge currents that could potentially flow in that circuit.
There is a 10 Gauge Fusible Link between the alternator's output post and the starter solenoid-battery path. Running that extra wire, would render this protection useless.
There is a 10 Gauge Fusible Link between the alternator's output post and the starter solenoid-battery path. Running that extra wire, would render this protection useless.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Aren't you bypassing a critical fuse with that extra wire?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
You never mentioned a fuse in your original post about the wire. No fuse on the wire = BAD no matter who you are. With a fuse it would be OK.
But, you could just bring the original wire that goes down the back right corner of the engine up to the battery if you want to run a wire directly from the alternator to the battery.
But, you could just bring the original wire that goes down the back right corner of the engine up to the battery if you want to run a wire directly from the alternator to the battery.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 431
Likes: 2
Is it ok to disconnect the negative terminal over night on the battery? Then reattach in morning and see how it fires up? Every morning it is a very slow start and if I wait over two days without starting it it will not turn over but a jump start it will. The alternator is charging the battery once running and no issues. Only in mornings. Is this an ok start to decipher what is going on?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Is it ok to disconnect the negative terminal over night on the battery? Then reattach in morning and see how it fires up? Every morning it is a very slow start and if I wait over two days without starting it it will not turn over but a jump start it will. The alternator is charging the battery once running and no issues. Only in mornings. Is this an ok start to decipher what is going on?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Last edited by GCG; Sep 23, 2018 at 01:34 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Just as another note, if your wiring looks like that picture above with the text then you need to do repairs. I see an insulation burn spot on the big red wire from the battery and I see a damaged taped up fusible link on the wire from the alternator.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
That's just a picture that I borrowed from another thread. I know... it doesn't look good 
, but it was the only one I could find taken from that angle 👍
, but it was the only one I could find taken from that angle 👍
Last edited by GCG; Sep 23, 2018 at 09:17 PM.