Alternator charging wire

[irokgmc]

Is there any advantage to upgrade the stock size wire from the alternator to the battery? I just replaced the engine side harness on my truck which has the stock size charging wire and fusible link at the batt connection. I wondered if this size is up to the job. I have a 105 amp alternator that I put on when I put the TBI motor in and will be mounting some auxillary lighting and a winch soon. I don't want to roast my truck in flames by putting a larger wire on there, or not get the charging potential I should so let me know your opinions. Thanks!

 

[bp71k5]

There's no harm in using a larger wire. I think the stock alternator is ~60 amps so a 105 amp could probably use a larger one. The benefit would be better charging capacity if the old wire was deteriorated or you added lots of electronic gear that uses lots more juice. If you haven't added lots of stereo's and winches, then a larger wire won't do anything, but won't hurt anything either.

The problem is that larger wires tend to be harder to route, but you can go up 1-2 sizes and still have no trouble. I think I used 8 or 10 gauge on my 100 amp alternator.

 

[irokgmc]

Thanks! I actually live in Morgan Hill also, I hope to run into you one day, that is a very nice Blazer you have.

 

[bp71k5]

I actually live in Morgan Hill also, I hope to run into you one day

Ha, weird that I didn't even notice that. It's ok if you run into me, just try not to dent the k5.

It's still out of commission for another week.

 

[Greg72]

Be sure the ground wires are also sized larger.

Upgrading only half of the circuit will not have any benefit....and most people forget about the ground wires.

 

[bp71k5]

Greg, do you mean the braided (frame, engine, etc) ground wires or the big one hooked up to the battery?

 

[Greg72]

Greg, do you mean the braided (frame, engine, etc) ground wires or the big one hooked up to the battery?

Generally, I just make sure that everything on the ground side is at least as big as the charge wire. It's been a long time since I've used a braided ground strap...I typically swap those out for a standard insulated wire also.

I'm not sure if the alternator finds it's ground back to the battery from the engine strap or the frame ground

 

[ryoken]

actually it finds it thru the battery..

OP, here is a chart to help you out... I run a 4, but may up that to 0, once I start welding...


http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/charge_wires.html

 

[bp71k5]

I had to go out and look to check if I had a ground strap hooked up. Turns out I do and it's the same guage as the charge wire (whew!), but it's just grounded to the chassis near where the regulator was.