alternator wiring...

I've been going over searched threads for a couple of days now and haven't found what I'm looking for...

I am looking at replacing my alternator with a internally regulated 3 wire. My question is... can I use the stock wiring or do I have to run all new wiring? With the current wiring, power runs to the starter, energizes the light switch ( I think) and then to the ignition switch. The grey or white wire goes to the instrument cluster.

When I hook up the new alternator, I should be able to connect the red power wire to the positive post with a jumper to the #2 and the white to #1 and be all set...right? Will the stock wire handle the increased current?

Anything I'm missing?


Thanks

 

This site is worth reading when dealing with alternators http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml
As to wire size if you change to a larger alternator look at the battery wire from battery to the alternator, it needs to be sized to the alternator, more amps = larger wire.

 

Thanks, I've been on the MAD sight, but seeing as they are trying to sell something I was wondering why I couldn't use the original wiring. Larger capacity makes sense.

 

I used this diagram when I converted to 10SI:

 

The more I look at this the more I get confused. Is the only change I need to make is a heavy gage wire (10) from the alt. to the starter, jump the #2 terminal to the battery output on the alt and attach the dummy light wire to #1? As I see it I shouldn't have to make any changes to the ignition wiring...right?

 

That should work.

 

Nice thread as I am working on the same problem. I have a V6 and want to know for sure that I put the wires in the right way.

So the original wire from the starter now goes to the alternator and then to the ignition and that does not change. Why is the white wire a dummy. Does that mean the charging light will not work anymore?

like to hear

 

To make the light work it will have 12v from the switch on one side of it the other side goes to the #1 terminal the light is isolated from chassis ground. the alternator #1 terminal provides the signal to operate the light. It may need a diode in this wire to keep from back feeding the ignition. I hooked the wire from the light to my acc terminal of my ignition because I don't have any accessories on that circuit.to avoid this problem.

 

I have less experience in electric but I am trying. So when I attach the light wire to the # 1 it should work as original ?
It works now with my old alternator.( the original with the external regulator)

Secound question is ; I can not find an external solinoid on my car, could this be intergrated in the startermotor?

 

Remember you might need a diode in that line to keep from back feeding the ignition system.
V6 = GM starter solenoid is on the starter.

 

is the 12SI alt wiring the same as the 10SI?

Thanks.....

 

If your alt has the nr 1 and nr 2 terms with flat (spade) connectors then yes. It's the internal regulator that makes the difference and or external plug. Some Delcotron alternators had the needed diode built into a plug that just plugged into that term1&2 slot.

 

Ok, got it wired up and as a bonus it seems to be working. Except I gots some other issues now.