| Author | Message | ||
     Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Senior Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 299 Registered: 11-2002 |
The alternator output (+) apparently is connected to a post on the starter, and from there jumps to the battery... I am getting about .37 v drop from the alternator to the battery, maybe more with full load. This is within the manual specs, but I would like to make it more efficient if possible. Does anyone know if I can run another wire (similar guage) directly to the battery from the alternator? | ||
| peppy (Chrisseries1) Member Username: Chrisseries1 Post Number: 94 Registered: 03-2004 |
replace the whole wire with a new one, with age it has become deterioated! clean all terminals. | ||
| A. Ali (Alia176) Member Username: Alia176 Post Number: 169 Registered: 03-2003 |
I run two 4 gauge wires from the alt to the battery (pos and neg). This is on top of the existing oem wires. | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Senior Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 301 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ali, few questions: - was there enough room on the + post for the 4 guage wire connectors? - where did you connect the - wires as the alt grounds through the case? - how long have you been running this setup and any bad/good results? Thanks! | ||
| A. Ali (Alia176) Member Username: Alia176 Post Number: 172 Registered: 03-2003 |
Geoff, I should mention that I'm running a Delco alternator currently. But the extra pair of wires were installed when I had the Lucas alternator few years ago. -Depending on the size of the lugs you use, you should be able to double up on the BATT term of the alternator. Ace hardware has thin, copper lugs that are meant to be crimped on. I recommend crimping and soldering for extra grip. -The Gnd wire was landed on the alternator housing itself. I believe I found a threaded hole that was empty, found the right bolt and landed the Gnd lug on it. -The setup has been in use for about, say five years. I have no complaints. My primary reason for adding extra wires: -old wires deteorate as you found out. -when you upgrade an alternator to a higher output, it's a good idea to put additional path to the battery. Sort of like hooking up a garden hose to a fire hydrant concept. -ground connections corrode after a while. The ground path from the alt to the battery is (usually) purely through the chassis so adding a second conductor can only help out the alternator and the battery. Hope this helps! Ali | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Senior Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 305 Registered: 11-2002 |
Helps a lot Ali, thanks. I think the alternator to starter post connection is very exposed to heat, weather, salt, mud, etc., so prone to poor connection. I will add the + path first along with a double up from the battery - to the engine or frame to keep the flow equalized more or less. The - connection from the alt shows much less resistance so not as concerned there yet. Cheers, Geoff |
