Updating alternator and wires
02-07-2014, 09:35 PM
#1
Racer
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Updating alternator and wires
Do any of You guys know where the electric system in a 79 measures how much power the alternator should be putting out. Is there a load sensing wire anywhere in the system? I am trying to update the alternator and run bigger wire to starter and to ground, getting ready to upgrade the headlights and put in dual electric fans and a sound system. I want to make sure I don't just run wires without actually knowing what is involved. I have read through the MAD enterprises documents and I want to make sure all I need to do is run a bigger wire to starter and pick power from the alternator stud for all of the accessories. Thanks for the help
02-08-2014, 03:09 AM
#2
Nam Labrat
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I don't know/think that using the alternator + lug is a good idea to power the accessories.
I have seen threads where a heavy gauge wire is added to the starter + lug and connected to an add-on fusebox mounted on the firewall...the accessories will get their power through individual relays from this fusebox. It prevents the original fusebox from being overloaded with all the new wiring.
I have seen threads where a heavy gauge wire is added to the starter + lug and connected to an add-on fusebox mounted on the firewall...the accessories will get their power through individual relays from this fusebox. It prevents the original fusebox from being overloaded with all the new wiring.
02-08-2014, 10:08 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
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Here's my thoughts on what to do ... AND why....
Using the Alternator as a 'junction block' is NOT a good idea-especially hooking up large current drawing things like the fan.
The reason? When the fans start up - they pull a lot of current to get spinning. That big draw is not good for the alternator- I'm sure it will work- but will shorted it's life.
The battery is a much better place to power your accessories. Why? The battery does a couple of things rather than just turn the starter. It stabilizes the voltage- like when the fans start up- usually at idle-sitting in traffic- when the alternator is not capable of putting out rated current at a low RPM. Plus it filters out the AC that the diodes inside the alternator don't clean up-electronics- stereo-amps- like this idea.
Running a larger gauge wire to the starter is a good idea -using it (starter) as junction since it's connected w/ a large gauge wire directly to the battery.
Think of the alternator as your income- the battery as your bank account. Your alternator has to keep up with what you are spending -and the bank softens the blow when your mortgage hits!
Richard
Using the Alternator as a 'junction block' is NOT a good idea-especially hooking up large current drawing things like the fan.
The reason? When the fans start up - they pull a lot of current to get spinning. That big draw is not good for the alternator- I'm sure it will work- but will shorted it's life.
The battery is a much better place to power your accessories. Why? The battery does a couple of things rather than just turn the starter. It stabilizes the voltage- like when the fans start up- usually at idle-sitting in traffic- when the alternator is not capable of putting out rated current at a low RPM. Plus it filters out the AC that the diodes inside the alternator don't clean up-electronics- stereo-amps- like this idea.
Running a larger gauge wire to the starter is a good idea -using it (starter) as junction since it's connected w/ a large gauge wire directly to the battery.
Think of the alternator as your income- the battery as your bank account. Your alternator has to keep up with what you are spending -and the bank softens the blow when your mortgage hits!
Richard
02-08-2014, 02:40 PM
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Racer
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Here's my thoughts on what to do ... AND why....
Using the Alternator as a 'junction block' is NOT a good idea-especially hooking up large current drawing things like the fan.
The reason? When the fans start up - they pull a lot of current to get spinning. That big draw is not good for the alternator- I'm sure it will work- but will shorted it's life.
The battery is a much better place to power your accessories. Why? The battery does a couple of things rather than just turn the starter. It stabilizes the voltage- like when the fans start up- usually at idle-sitting in traffic- when the alternator is not capable of putting out rated current at a low RPM. Plus it filters out the AC that the diodes inside the alternator don't clean up-electronics- stereo-amps- like this idea.
Running a larger gauge wire to the starter is a good idea -using it (starter) as junction since it's connected w/ a large gauge wire directly to the battery.
Think of the alternator as your income- the battery as your bank account. Your alternator has to keep up with what you are spending -and the bank softens the blow when your mortgage hits!
Richard
Using the Alternator as a 'junction block' is NOT a good idea-especially hooking up large current drawing things like the fan.
The reason? When the fans start up - they pull a lot of current to get spinning. That big draw is not good for the alternator- I'm sure it will work- but will shorted it's life.
The battery is a much better place to power your accessories. Why? The battery does a couple of things rather than just turn the starter. It stabilizes the voltage- like when the fans start up- usually at idle-sitting in traffic- when the alternator is not capable of putting out rated current at a low RPM. Plus it filters out the AC that the diodes inside the alternator don't clean up-electronics- stereo-amps- like this idea.
Running a larger gauge wire to the starter is a good idea -using it (starter) as junction since it's connected w/ a large gauge wire directly to the battery.
Think of the alternator as your income- the battery as your bank account. Your alternator has to keep up with what you are spending -and the bank softens the blow when your mortgage hits!
Richard
How does the alternator know how much to pay the bank. I am having a little problem with that, If there is a load sensing wire in a 79 I do not want to bypass it and have the alternator only pay half the mortgage. Thanks.
Very well illustrated, I have read through one of Your Threads and that statement clarified things for me
02-08-2014, 09:53 PM
#6
Nam Labrat
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A wiring diagram could help. Good idea about taking care of the load sensing wire (Being a rookie, I don't know if your car has one).
I upgraded the charging system on my '34 SBC streetrod, and I added a load-sensing wire since my new alternator had a terminal for one. I ran the wire into the interior and connected it to the extra terminal on the fusebox that receives 12V when the key is turned to the "Run" position (one click before the engine starts to crank).
I upgraded the charging system on my '34 SBC streetrod, and I added a load-sensing wire since my new alternator had a terminal for one. I ran the wire into the interior and connected it to the extra terminal on the fusebox that receives 12V when the key is turned to the "Run" position (one click before the engine starts to crank).
02-08-2014, 10:58 PM
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A wiring diagram could help. Good idea about taking care of the load sensing wire (Being a rookie, I don't know if your car has one).
I upgraded the charging system on my '34 SBC streetrod, and I added a load-sensing wire since my new alternator had a terminal for one. I ran the wire into the interior and connected it to the extra terminal on the fusebox that receives 12V when the key is turned to the "Run" position (one click before the engine starts to crank).
I upgraded the charging system on my '34 SBC streetrod, and I added a load-sensing wire since my new alternator had a terminal for one. I ran the wire into the interior and connected it to the extra terminal on the fusebox that receives 12V when the key is turned to the "Run" position (one click before the engine starts to crank).
02-09-2014, 05:14 PM
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I have a diagram. but while reading info on the internet I got from some threads that the brown wire in the alt is sensing wire and from others that is an exciter wire. So I am trying to figure this out. I do not see the point in running a new thicker wire from alt to the starter and then run another wire from the starter to a junction bar so I am trying to make sense of that too.