Alternator mess

[bwhite41]

Help guys!! I'm having an alternator issue and it is draining my battery overnight. I am aware that I have an auto alternator however it will be traded out in the winter. Just need it to make it through the summer. It was working and then I messed it up by changing the belt. Anyway, I have extra wires everywhere an just need to know where and if I need them.

This is the back of the alternator. The red wire is the one that caused the drain.
http://www.4shared.com/photo/KOTFxz79/altback.html

This is that red wire again with the blue wire, also that comes out of back of alternator.
http://www.4shared.com/photo/JSL6qlcC/wires2.html

Now coming off the main wiring harness I have these 2 guys. No clue what they should go to.
http://www.4shared.com/photo/56YKMUSr/wires.html

Any help is a lot of help. Can't tell ya alternator brand, don't see one on it

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Alternator mess

If you proceed in using this alternator it's possible that your boat won't make it through the summer, or you for that matter. Fourth of July is over, we don't need anymore fireworks.

Anyway, it's pretty hard to tell which wires are which without a model number. Take a picture of the body and maybe someone will be able to recognize it. Trace the wires back in the harness. One probably goes to a light in the instrument cluster, the other probably goes to a positive battery post for sense. I would venture a guess and say that the red wire is sense and the purple goes to the light.

It's possible that you have a leaky voltage regulator and you have to buy a new one anyway. Why wait?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Alternator mess

I strongly suggest that you stop using the boat until you can change it to the correct one. A car alternator can produce sparks from the brushes inside and cause a explosion. You are putting your self and others at a unnecessary risk.

 

[bwhite41]

Re: Alternator mess

Got it, so how do I know what amp alternator i need?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Alternator mess

I belive they start at 65 amps and go up from there. It depends on what your going to run as to how much charging power you want.

 

[bwhite41]

Re: Alternator mess

I have a merc 140hp inline 4cyl. I run the boat, a radio, nav lights at night. very basic stuff. no add on special stuff. do and trim pump. Will be adding simple depth finder

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: Alternator mess

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-3611-...o-marine-mando-alternator-293-18-amn0002.aspx

65 amps should be sufficient based on your info.