I'm trying to install my HO alternator and I can't figure out exactly how to hook up the positive wire. I upgraded the battery to chassis and battery to engine wires to 2 awg, and the last one is the alt to battery. I don't get it because on my truck the positive wire goes from the alternator to some 175A fuse, and then from that same connection to the battery. Do I upgrade both wires (the alt to fuse and the fuse to battery wires) to 2 gauge? Or do I bypass the fuse and go directly to the battery from the alternator? Also, do I upgrade the battery to starter wire? I would appreciate any help.
You really shouldn't bypass the fuse. If the wires are greater than 2gauge, then upgrade. You should try and match all wires. The weakest link will be your downfall.
Very cool. So I'll upgrade both positive wires. Thanks. Then Isaac, do you suggest I upgrade the starter to battery wire also? And since the alternator is 200 amps, should I upgrade that fuse? If so, to what? 200A? Thanks for responding so quickly. It's 8:45 pm and I've been working on this for like 4 hours!
Anonymous
Posted on
you dont have to upgrade the battery to starter wire because the starter isnt pulling more amps then before the new alternator besides the starter sucks off the battery which hasnt changed
I wouldn't upgrade the 175A fuse. I doubt you'll blow it with your amps. You see 50A - 60A will be used by your car alone, so there is no way you will get all 200A from the alternator. So 175A will be just fine. As for starter wire, no need. It is not a high current device and it won't draw any more than before.
yeah only need to change the wires that'll see higher current draw.. alt to battery, battery to amps, etc.. the starter draw doesn't change unless you change starters to a high torque starter or something
One last thing... if anybody knows. Is the belt tensioner supposed to be locked in place when you tighten it or is there supposed to be some play (4.3 vortec). It moves a little at idle and more when I rev the engine. Other than that little worry, I'm done!!
The belt tensioner on my Explorer is spring loaded and impossible to tighten. I guess if yours is spring loaded and you have sufficient load on that belt the tensioner would move, but as long as the belt isn't slipping I wouldn't worry about it.
Cool, thanks Fishy. Guess what that means? I'm done with the alt install! A mechanic probably could have done it in and hour. It took me... 2 days. Thanks again everyone.
Be glad you have a belt tensioner. My acura doesn't have any. You basically have to adjust it manually. My Mustang is spring loaded. So much easier when changing alternator/belts.