One wire alternator - additional power wire

[first69]

I have a one-wire alternator that has the standard power cable from the alternator post directly to the battery but coming off that same alternator post is a wire directly to the power side of the remote starter solenoid, does anyone have any information on why and what this is for?

[Vimes]

That would be the wire that, when grounded on the other side of the solenoid, starts the car The wire running there directly off the alternator would be an example of redneck engineering. The alternator should just have one wire from the alternator to the battery through a fusible link, and the solenoid would be powered off the battery preferably through a fuse. The only reason I can think of why they did it that way was whoever did it only had a wire long enough to reach the alternator, but not all the way to the battery.

Based on your username, assuming that is a 69 Camaro? If so the solenoid should be on the starter, not the firewall. A common problem with 1970s GMs was the solenoid would be overheated by the exhaust, especially if headers were installed, and a shadetree solution used was to use a Ford style remote solenoid to run the starter. Now a heat shield around the solenoid is used.

In any case, I would suggest redoing the wiring, and possibly reroute the exhaust to give enough clearance for a starter shield. If that isn't possible the Ford solenoid is fine, but that wiring should still be addressed.

[dhutton]

If I am following that mess right that is your charging wire. It is too small. Time for a rewire.

[Mr Nick]

I highly suggest these books.

https://ceautoelectricsupply.com/wir...version-books/


Also, as mentioned get a larger charge wire with a fusible link or appropriate fuse.

https://ceautoelectricsupply.com/cha...-upgrade-kits/