Hi Dave. It's possible that your alternator is not the original unit and the wires are left over from the previous one, or earlier. Many alternators are self exciting so they don't need a connection to the ignition, and the sense is derived from the output connector inside the alternator. Hence no need for the two loose wires.
If you are going to install an external regulator, you will need connections to the ignition switch for power and to the battery for sense voltage . Any decent alternator shop can prep your existing alternator, or a new higher power one, for an external regulator by simply installing an internal wire from one brush to ground, and another wire leading from the other brush to the exterior of the alternator case to be connected to the field terminal on the new regulator. Sounds complicated, but it's actually quite easy. Rich > On Apr 24, 2017, at 22:22, David Knecht via CnC-List <[email protected]> > wrote: > > Hi Rich- Thanks for the info, and now I am really confused. I have thought > about putting in external regulation, but have done nothing about it yet so > the Motorola is internally regulated as far as I know. I was told you had to > rewire the alternator to use an external regulator. What is really bugging > me is that I am quite sure that those wires were not connected to my > alternator when I took it off last fall. The two bolts in question are > tightly fastened to the body, where the two I know I took off I left loose. > I also have a picture of the back of the alternator before I took it off and > only two wires are connected. But I know the alternator was charging because > I checked it with my VOM while the engine was running to make sure and it was > putting out ~14.5 volts at the battery. Any way that is possible? Dave > >> >>> On Apr 24, 2017, at 9:29 AM, Rich Knowles via CnC-List >>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> The wire going to the key switch turns on the internal regulator and the >>> wire going to the starter provides the feedback sense voltage to the >>> regulator so that it can hold the output voltage constant. >>> >>> These wires are needed for an internally regulated alternator. If they are >>> not connected, your alternator will a) not turn on and/or b) will not >>> provide a correct voltage output. If you have converted the alternator to >>> an external fixed or smart regulator, they will not be needed but can be >>> used for the external regulator for the same purpose. >>> >>> Rich Knowles >>> Halifax, NS >>> C&C Alumnus >>> >>> >>> >>> On Apr 24, 2017, at 10:07, David Knecht via CnC-List >>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> I am going to try again with a simpler alternator question and hope someone >>> knows the answer: >>> >>> My wiring diagram for the engine shows a purple wire connected to the >>> Exciter terminal of the alternator and running to the key switch and a >>> orange-red wire connected to the Sense terminal and running to the starter. >>> I am having trouble finding information on what those do. Does any one >>> know their function and what would happen if they were not connected? >>> Thanks- Dave >>> >>> >>> Aries >>> 1990 C&C 34+ >>> New London, CT >>> >>> <pastedGraphic.tiff> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> >>> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you >>> wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: >>> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray >>> >>> All Contributions are greatly appreciated! >>> _______________________________________________ >>> >>> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you >>> wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: >>> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray >>> >>> All Contributions are greatly appreciated! >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> >>> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you >>> wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: >>> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray >>> >>> All Contributions are greatly appreciated! >> > > Aries > 1990 C&C 34+ > New London, CT > > <pastedGraphic.tiff> > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish > to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > > All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
