Installing a blue sea 9002E dual battery switch with AFD. Where is the field wire?

[slag]

I have created all the battery cables and have that all set up. I need to "cut the field wire from the alternator to the voltage regulator; connect one end to F1, and the other end to F2." to finish this install. How do I identify which wire on the alternator is the field wire? For that matter, is my voltage regulator internal to my alternator? 1998 VP 5.7 carbureted

 

[alldodge]

Your ALT has a built in regulator and you don't need to use the field winging disconnect. Your switch should be a make before break switch so its not needed. Just to be safe don't switch the switch when the motor is running.

 

[slag]

So, dumb question time. How do I charge a fully discharged battery then by using the alternator? I want to be able to use battery 1 to start the boat, battery 2 for stereo, airing up inflatables, etc, then if it drains, start the boat up and switch to both batteries to charge them. Is this possible?

 

[alldodge]

You never want a "fully" discharged battery, they are damaged when that happens, but I get the jest of your question. Your switch should be a make before break contacts. Which means going from 1 to 2 or both they stay in contact with the one it was on before it connects to the other. I did say not to switch when running but you should be able to do it, so long as you do not pass thru the OFF position.

To verify, connect voltmeter to common and the other lead to 1. You will have connection, then move switch to another position slowly to see if it makes connection with the other position before breaking with 1. Will either need 2 meters or move probe from one to the other until a disconnect is noticed

A real good way to fix and never have a problem is install and ACR (Add a Battery Kit). Once the motor is started it automatically connects to the other battery and changes both

 

[slag]

Got it all installed and dont want to spend the money on an ACR right now. I still need to separate out the trim switch from the other accessory lead so that it works on the same battery. What I mean is, I have the starter going to battery 1 through the switch, and then I have a separate existing lead connected directly to battery 2 which powers the stereo, all accessory switches, and the trim. Maybe its best this way so I can trim up while underway and still connected to battery 2 so we can listen to the stereo. hm, I need to think about that one. Currently, I keep it on battery 2 while anchored, then switch it to battery 1 to start and then back to 1+2 while underway so both charge. Worked fine this weekend doing that.