Alternator wiring

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by Paladin62, Jan 14, 2020.

  1. Paladin62

    Paladin62 Well-Known Member

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    My previous owner replaced the fuse box with a modern one. That's a good thing...problem is most of the fuses don't agree with the fuse ID on the box. My problem is that I purchased a 140 amp alternator and need to know where on the box the hot wire goes. The ignition wiring is good. I need to know where on the fuse box does the output from the alternator go?
     
  2. HotRodRacer

    HotRodRacer Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    I am going to let more people weigh in on this, but I thought the output from the alternator went to the battery hot (+) post, and the battery fed the fuse panel.
     
  3. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    It does, and for a new alternator, the field gets a fuse, but you'll need to find out what rating it should be, and the charge wire gets a mega fuse (Ford's modern cars use a 175-amp one, usually in the end of the fuse and relay box). I assume you're using a GM alternator, so as the regulator is internal, the fuse should be on the power input to the regulator.
     
  4. Paladin62

    Paladin62 Well-Known Member

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    I broke down and paid $800 to have the wagon re-wired from bumper to bumper. Everything (including alternator) is working fine now.
     

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  5. HotRodRacer

    HotRodRacer Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    May very well be the best $800 you'll spend on it, with modern wiring and fuses/fuse block.
     
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  6. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Especially if something goes wrong
     

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