Alternator Wiring

[billybob]

Hi All,

Need some advise on my alternators wiring. I have a 300CE w124 1988 model. Recently was told that the car would require a new alternator. So decided to change it myself. i purchased one from GSF carparts this weekend (i know, i should have got the old one re coiled etc!) but the new one did not have the the same plug in conector in the back as the old one.
Basically there are three bolted connectors in the back of the new one, one large bolted connector, one small, and one male connector.
Now this i thought would be straight forward, but for an electrical novice its not.
The wiring from the car to the alternator has two mid size wires the same size, colour etc, and one very thin wire, which i have connected to the male connector. yet with the two mid size wires i am unsure which connects to which on the alternator? so i havent hooked them up as yet, as i dont know the car exploding on me! Can some please shed some light?

Thanks

 

[wireman]

Get the correct alternator it will swap out using the same connectors. The unit you have been supplied is the wrong one, no doubt it will operate if the wiring is modified but if the fresh unit goes duff how will a replacement of the correct type fit the modified wiring?

The big fat pair carry the heavy current output of the alternator and go to the battery from the alternator output they will set fire if they get loose or shorted to the body work or engine so you need reliable connections here.
The thin wire comes from the warning lamp to the altenator regulator and excitation circuits, it supplies a small amount of power to start the alternator circuits working and the once running and the lamp is out provides a measurement of battery voltage to the regulator.

It should go without saying that the wiring must be properly installed or reliability and safety will be compromised.

 

[42864]

As Wireman says you have the wrong Altenator for your particular car, take it back and get the correct one. Take the Old Altenator with you as a Pattern, if they do not have the correct part get your money back !

 

[television]

Yes the above 2 post are correct, get the correct one