Alternator question...which one??

SSSuper83

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
132
Heres the deal...I am trying to figure out which alternator I need to buy for my 82 Merc 898. I have the following wiring: large red, large black, large orange, and small purple. I believe, according to the service manual, that the purple wire goes to the coil to power it. Reason I ask is that there are more than a few units available and any tips with this vintage wiring harness would be great. I have the rest figured out and soldered/shrink tubed/wrapped up tight.

BTW..just plunked a new motor in her. '75 350 4 bolt main, completely rebuilt, .30 over, windage tray and solid cam. Just spending time marinizing all the accessories and double checking all the wiring. I honestly cant believe how bad the previous owner screwed this boat up. It really is a miracle it ran as good as it did, when it did. And a lot of thanks to this board also, as I lurked the forums and got the real story on how things need to be done RIGHT on Mercruisers.

If I hadnt pulled it apart to check it out, I know the boat would have sank this year. TRUST ME.

Again, thanks for all the great info. Pics to follow soon.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Alternator question...which one??

Hi,

Have you looked at the service manual? Go to the ADULTS ONLY post at the top of this forum. Download manual #2 for your engine and have a look in section 2, wiring diagrams. There are a few different drawings for an 898, so look at the drawing title and decide which drawing is for your engine.... All else will be revealed....

Chris.......
 

SSSuper83

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
132
Re: Alternator question...which one??

Ok, got it. I downloaded the service manual and looked through it about 5 times already but somehow I missed it???? Good deal...thanks again!
 

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: Alternator question...which one??

Purple is key switch power.
 
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