I finished the install tonight and have an issue I need help with. I ran a 6GA wire from the back of the alternator to the positive side of the starter solenoid as I have read many of you have done. I start the car and when I pull the battery cable off (positive) the car dies. The alternator should produce enough volts to keep it running, yes? What should I check? I did rev the engine to 2000 as I have read somewhere (TL maybe) that it sometimes needs to get above a certain RPM to start the generator. What should I try tommorow? Scott
a 3-wire alt.:sorry: J/K a 3-wire has the big wire out the back a wire to a pos.+ connection to ...excite...(turn on) the alt. when the switch is turned on (no need to rev. up). a wire to the dash light. the 3 reasons i chose the ...3-wire... ......
Sounds like your just using the ALT to charge the battery,,, its more meant to run accesories. You might get away with running a second wire to the IGN box so it has power from the alternator instead of the battery. If its that way,, and the alt is engergized,, you should be able to pull off a cable and still be running. I belive you have to energize the ALT from the battery upon startup, thats the first large wire that goes to the soleniod,, the second wire, from the same source can power the accesories. You can add a switch if you need to. JMHO, Chad
You should NEVER disconnect the battery cable from a running engine, it causes a condition called Load Dump that can damage the diodes in the alternator.
LOL! I had the lights on, the heater fan blowing, etc etc. Too much amp draw for the alt all by its self without the battery there to complete the circuit.
charging is only a small part of what the alt. does. it's main job is to run everything else. that is why you up your alt. when you add stuff... someone posted a good link that compared the 1 wire to the 3 wire.see if you can find it and read it. it should answer any question you have about either one. ... ...
