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-   -   Alternator 4 wire to 2 (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/75182-alternator-4-wire-2-a.html)

Lofty 03-26-2004 02:21 PM

Alternator 4 wire to 2
 
Anyone have any idea how I convert my old Merc. 4 wire over to a 2 wire system? I have older Motorola Alternators and want to change over the newer style.

Thanks in advance guys.

Gary Anderson 03-26-2004 02:24 PM

Is your wiring harness set up for a 4 wire alternator, and you now want to use a 2 wire alternator?
Gary

Lofty 03-26-2004 03:15 PM

That's it Gary, that's exactly what I've got.

Gary Anderson 03-26-2004 04:29 PM

Simple. Connect the large (8 or 10g.) orange or red wire to the + post of the new alternator. The large black wire can go to the alternator body ground, - post (if it has one), or the block. The remaining 2 small (14 or 16g.) wires, purple and red, are not used. Be sure to cap these off so they dont short out. They still carry voltage.
Gary

Lofty 03-26-2004 04:43 PM

Dammmm!!! Too simple for my little brain. Thanks Gary. The purple and red are excitation, for what? I was looking at the schematic but just couldn't figure it out.

Lofty 03-26-2004 04:45 PM

One more thing. Can you go the other way? I have harnesses for 2 wire units but I've never tried using them.

Gary Anderson 03-26-2004 05:01 PM

Red is sensor, purple is excitation (switched ignition). You can use a 4 wire alternator on a 2 wire harness by attaching the sensor terminal directly to the + alt output. But you still need a wire to the ignition (purple) for the excitation terminal. That can go directly to the + terminal of the coil on a Tbolt IV.
Gary

Lofty 03-26-2004 05:15 PM

Gary, Thanks again, you've been a great help.


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