Adding alternator wires. Big-3

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Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

Thnx! I will put larger wires, for positive and ground. Stock wires are only 10gauge. Got arco 60122
 
bruceb58

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bruceb58

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

Kamilo said:
There was red and black on stock alternator. 10 gauge. I couldnt see anything thicker couming out of it
Click to expand...

I was asking about your battery cables, not alternator. You definitely need to update the output of the alternator.

The small wires are not going to change since they don't carry any of the charge current.

Sounds like you are a bit confused on what you need to do.
 
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Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

bruceb58 said:
I was asking about your battery cables, not alternator. You definitely need to update the output of the alternator.



The small wires are not going to change since they don't carry any of the charge current.

Sounds like you are a bit confused on what you need to do.
Click to expand...


Maybe a bit. I am not close to boat at the moment but they are rather beefy as i remember.
So i should not touch them? Just add one wire from alternator to plus on battery and battery negative to engine block.
Thats all?
 
bruceb58

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

Kamilo said:
Maybe a bit. I am not close to boat at the moment but they are rather beefy as i remember.
So i should not touch them? Just add one wire from alternator to plus on battery and battery negative to engine block.
Thats all?
Click to expand...
Your battery already has a cable to the engine block from the battery. It is likely plenty big because it is big enough to start your V8 engine.

You just need a bigger wire from the output of the alternator to the battery(or starter solenoid which is where the current one goes).

Figure out what size wire you need and get it made here:
http://www.genuinedealz.com/
Free Shipping.
Cheaper than everyone around.
Fine strand wire so it's flexible.
 
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sam am I

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

If ya wanna perhaps save some $$$$, not wait/pay for shipping and ya like making your own stuff if ya can. Shop/call around, even locally(if yer not in the sticks, I got a sweet deal on mine at Napa)you can find marine grade cable and put your own ends on.....Lots of info on doing this out there. I've/ppl made my/thier own all the time, it's not hard. But I'm cheap like that!! This is just a few methods.....solder, crimp, solder/crimp, many out there, pick your poison, adapt as you will.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXDkNMDDrBs

Think I'd skip the pellets thou, just go to Radioshack and get what ya need

How to Solder battery terminals - YouTube


Some of those end cost BUCKS TOO!! Check this.......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpFb_Yxl_hA



And just follow this chart, you'll be fine.....GL

ABYC Wire Guide.jpg
 
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bruceb58

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K

Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

I have some thick wires in my garage. Firs i will definitely check the lengh i need. Alrady got tinned copper lugs so that is the easy part. Have a torch. Will also get some high temp solder, just will have to get a good flux too.
Ill try to follow the video and if it will not work then i am ordering from genuine. I will like to try but will not risk getting burned
 
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Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

Have batteries and all is good, almost... One more question. Should i run the new larger positive wire from alternator straight to battery or should i connect it with main boat power switch first?
Thank you!
 
bruceb58

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

To answer that question we need to know the configuration of your batteries and switches.
 
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Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

There is only one big maybe 2 gauge wire going to main switch.
Two othere wires are going directly positive on battery, one thin one ends with two "auto billage" and "memory" fuses next to the switch and one more red wire directly from engine to battery.maybe 6gauge or so.
Thnx
 
bruceb58

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

can you make a drawing of what you are going to do?
 
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Kamilo

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

Sorry i dont have drawing skills.
I am planing to ad wires from positive and negative from alternator to battery 1. Then i was thinking about connecting from battery 1 positive to ACR then to positive on Bat 2.
Then negative from battery 1 to negative on alternator( ground) Also would like to connect from Bat 1 negative to engine block(ground)



View attachment 231899

2nd pic is how battery is connected now. One big wire to switch and two skinny wires straight to +on battery

View attachment 231900


Thank you
 
bruceb58

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Re: Adding alternator wires. Big-3

You don't have the existing wires shown correctly. You are not showing your battery switch in the first diagram. I thought you had two batteries for your stereo!

You do not need another ground from your alternator. The ground through its mount is fine.

You might be best off getting a switch like this one and running the alternator straight to the engine start battery.http://www.bluesea.com/products/5511e/featured

You need to list the size cables that are existing and what you are going to add from your alternator. I kinda doubt you have "skinny wires" bypassing your battery switch to your engine.
 
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