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Wiring Question - 231 with EZwire

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by ggreenwood37, Dec 23, 2013.

  1. Dec 23, 2013
    ggreenwood37

    ggreenwood37 Member

    Pittsburgh PA
    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2010
    Messages:
    88
    I apologize for not having pictures to post for clarification, I'll try to get to that tonight. So here is what I have - a Buick 231 with HEI in a 1959 CJ5 and my electrical engineering experience is 'poor to quite poor'. I purchased an EZwire harness and have been taking my time running all the wires, crimping, heat shrinking etc. I have the entire rear, front and 90% of the dash (excluding the Spartan turn signal) wired, but not tested.

    The engine connections are pretty straight forward - oil sensor, temp sensor etc. I believe I am to the point where I can connect the battery and start testing, but I want to double check a few things before I fry any electrical components.

    First, the starter.

    Looking at the starter from the front of the vehicle there are three posts. 2 small posts, one large.
    Connected to the large one, I have the large battery + cable and the fusible link that came with the EZ wire harness running to the fuse box.
    One of the two smaller posts is marked 'S', this post is located to the engine side of the starter. Connected to this one is the IGN switch wire.
    The EZ wire diagram did not have any connections running to the remaining post, which is toward the passenger side fender. This does not seem correct to me.

    On the Alternator, which is a Delco Remy, looking at it from the rear... there are three connections.
    To the left (drivers side), the ALT power is connected - as well as a fused wire running to my headlight relay.
    In the middle there is a plastic connector that runs to my voltage regulator F and 2 connections.
    The post that is toward the passenger side has nothing connected to it, which once again seems incorrect.

    I have a wire that I took off during disassemble that I marked 'Alternator to ground', but i didn't take any pictures of when I took it off.

    So what am I missing here? I'm having a tough time finding a wiring diagram for a 1978 Buick 231 and I really don't want to fry anything.

    Any help is appreciated.
     
  2. Dec 23, 2013
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,325
    I used the EZ Wire 12 circuit for my 71. On page 9 of the instructions there is a GM Diagram with HEI on it. Purple (Ign SW Start) wire goes to one starter connector, Red (Solenoid Pwr) has the fusible link in line and goes to the other. I have a 231 and will see if I can make out which is which.

    I was also having a hard time figuring out the atlernator. I called the number on the EZ Wire instructions and they walked me through it. They were super helpful and very patient.
     
  3. Dec 23, 2013
    Heatseeker

    Heatseeker Member

    Calaveras...
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2009
    Messages:
    355
    Traditionally, the outside post on the GM starter solenoid was for a hot wire direct to the coil. This provided a full 12 volts supply to the coil during cranking to aid starting(as opposed to the reduced voltage normally supplied through the ballast resistor). I don't use that wire on my 231 and it starts fine. With HEI, I suspect it is not neccasary.

    Hope this helps.
     
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