Auto Wiring: External Voltage Regulator W/ GM Alternator
Steve Reinis
electrical system has been hacked up by previous owners and I have decided
to completely rewire the truck using all new terminals, wire, fuse block,
etc. The basic circuits such as headlamps, brake/turn lamps, heater fan,
etc were all easy to rewire. However, the charging system confuses me and I
need help there.
Before we get into the details, refer to the diagram I drew:
http://home.inreach.com/stevetr/wiring.gif
The alternater is a more modern Delco-Remy three-wire model with an external
regulator. It has a 10 AWG wire running to the battery's positive. That
makes sense to me. It has a 14 AWG wire running to the body for a ground,
and then a 14 AWG wire running to the FIELD terminal on the regulator. No
problems there.
Where I get lost is that I have two wires coming from the voltage regulator
that lead nowhere and they really should connect somewhere. The markings on
the regulator are F, 2, 3, and C. C runs to a small condensor and F is what
connects to the alternator's field terminal.
Where do I connect 2 and 3? I'm thinking that one of them should be on my
ignition switch and getting a positive feed when the ignition is in the RUN
position. Correct?
Please note that when looking at the diagram I drew, the "wires" are not to
scale. I have used properly gauged wires where needed. Also note that I
left out the ignition switch and starter solenoid wiring for simplicity.
And, obviously, I am no artist! ;-)
Thanks!
-Steve
Dean Dardwin
Not having one in front of me, I'll number the terminals from left to
right... 1,2,3 on the alternator (assumes GM 10SI) and 1,2,3,4 on the
voltage regulator.
Alt, from the rear:
1) Ammeter if equipped, or "B" terminal on the ignition switch. This is
the heavy charge wire.
2) Terminal #1 on the VR
3) Grounded
VR, from the front
1) Terminal #2 on the alt.
2) Not used
3) "I" terminal on the ignition switch
4) Not used
Fixing someone else's wiring butchery isn't fun but this should get you
going.
Dean
Neil Nelson
>Steve,
>
>Not having one in front of me, I'll number the terminals from left to
>right... 1,2,3 on the alternator (assumes GM 10SI) and 1,2,3,4 on the
>voltage regulator.
>
The OP -did- mention that he was dealing with an *external* voltage
regulator. I don't think a 10SI alternator fits that description.
Dean Dardwin
Well, yes it does. There are two 10SI models, the old external voltage regulator model and the newer internal voltage regulator model. This is the source of much confusion compounded by the fact that several different types of terminal plugs were used so you can't always tell with a quick glance. FWIW, I have a '68 with a GM 10SI and external voltage regulator sitting in the garage.
Dean
Steve Reinis
electrician, but I do know enough to be dangerous! :-) (Seriously, I know
the basics and safety, and can somewhat comprehend most symbols on a
schematic, but am far from being an expert.)
Anyway, I know a model number for the alt and volt reg would have been
helpful, but these two items are not marked and so I was hoping that a
three-wire alternator and a four wire voltage regulator would be somewhat
standard in the pinouts.
Thanks for your help... I'm further than I was!
-Steve
Dean Dardwin <d...@dxd.com> wrote in message news:3BDEB8E...@dxd.com...
Neil Nelson
<Stevetr(@)ucsd.com> wrote:
>I apologise for my crude diagram and terminology. I'm by no means an
>electrician, but I do know enough to be dangerous! :-) (Seriously, I know
>the basics and safety, and can somewhat comprehend most symbols on a
>schematic, but am far from being an expert.)
>
>Anyway, I know a model number for the alt and volt reg would have been
>helpful, but these two items are not marked and so I was hoping that a
>three-wire alternator and a four wire voltage regulator would be somewhat
>standard in the pinouts.
>
>Thanks for your help... I'm further than I was!
>
>-Steve
Steve, just so we're all sure of what you're working with, and to avoid
any confusion, it would help if we could identify the version of GM
alternator you're dealing with.
There are three versions of common GM alternator
The 10 DN which used an external mechanical voltage regulator
The 10 SI which used an internal voltage regulator
The 10 CS which used an internal regulator but didn't appear in
production until about 1987.
I suspect you're talking about either a 10 DN or a 10 SI ....
Easy enough to tell them apart.
The 10 DN had the two terminals in the plug arranged like this >>>> I I
The 10 SI had the two terminals in the plug arranged like this >>>> -- --
Get back to us.... and yes, the pin outs -are- standardized.
(we just need to know which standard to give you)
N
eh...@bellatlantic.net
Steve Reinis wrote:
> I apologise for my crude diagram and terminology.
Now wait just one cotton pickin' minute - them's fighting
words. Your diagram is great - I wish I could do as well!
ENomura
<Stevetr(@)ucsd.com> writes:
Are you sure there isn't another terminal right next to the F terminal on the
Alternator? On my 64 Vette, the regulator is labeled F, 2, 3, and 4. This is
typical of all Delco Alternator and Regulators of this era. The 2 terminal is
connected to the "R" terminal on the alternator (next to the field terminal and
uses the common plastic connector). The 3 terminal is connected to the
positive side of the battery. The 4 terminal is connected to the ignition
switch. The condenser on the 4 terminal is to minimize iinterference to the
radio caused by the contacts in the regulator opening and closing. Be sure
that the housing of your alternator and regulator are properly grounded. Hope
this helps.
Aloha,
Ed
Remove "nojunk" from E-mail address
Christopher Coats
purposed for a tech gauge, a battery voltage reader/regulation gauge.
Christopher Coats
"Christopher Coats" <cco...@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:Ae4F7.9713$3Y6.123...@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
> Correct me If I'm wrong, but I think these extra 2 extra outputs should be
> purposed for a tech gauge, a battery voltage reader/regulation gauge.
>