1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

s5 Alternator swap issues ???

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Old 09-10-07, 08:17 PM
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Angry s5 Alternator swap issues ???

Okay after reading the archives on this swap it seems rather simple. However I cant seem to keep the stock in line fuse from burnring. My question is can I run it directly to the battery+ w/ an after market inline fuse?

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/electrical-s5-89-alternator-install-into-1st-gen-528440/
Old 09-10-07, 11:57 PM
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Its kinda late for me to check my wiring but one wire goes to the large battery terminal while the other wire goes to the bottom of stock t-connector for gauges etc etc.

edit. found the pix.
Old 09-11-07, 05:32 AM
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Thats how I have it connected Wacky but it still gets hot. Again its not glowing hot but its hot enough to melt plastic. I'm thinking this alt is drawing more juice so going strait to the battery w/ an inline fuse to the main post in back of the Alt would be the way to go. Any thoughts?
Old 09-11-07, 09:33 AM
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You have a short somewhere. I run S5 alternators in my FB and RX-3 with no issues.
Old 09-11-07, 09:50 AM
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Thats what I was thing. NOW to find out where the short is!!!
Old 09-11-07, 10:18 AM
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Does your S5 alt have the black plastic output terminal that extends above the alt? There are two versions of the alt depending if it was from an NA of TII. Anyway, without that post, it is common for your connection (large terminal) to touch the alt base (ground). This will give the short that you are seeing. Is it the main fusible link (stock) that is burning out? Is it the large wire to the alt that is getting hot?

Anyway, if you are shorting out at the alt terminal, just throw a nylon washer on there, then the wire connection, and then the nut. That should fix it.

Otherwise, you may have an internal short in your alt, but let's hope it is just something external and that the alt is not damaged.
Old 09-11-07, 10:34 AM
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As far as the terminal yes it had the extended connector. I removed it but used plastic washers to prevent any contact with the Alt base. FYI: this all began after tighting the small bolt that holds the main large wire that goes to the Alt and the base. It touch for about 5 seconds before I realized what happened. Should've disconnected the battery. I think the issue is with the other connection on the Alt. I dont think the t-connection is the correct one.??? There are 3 different one all different colors but no black/white?
Old 09-11-07, 10:44 AM
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I'll try to look up your wiring at lunch or this evening and report back. Most that I have seen use B/W and W/B wires, but I do seem to recall some years using Y/B, B/W (I think). You have an '83, correct (what's in your profile)? Mine is an '84 and uses B/W, W/B.
Old 09-11-07, 10:51 AM
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I have to check my wiring tonight
Old 09-11-07, 10:57 AM
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Also remember that there is a small wiring difference in the S5 and newer alternators that you have to address. Otherwise you will have a small current draw that will kill your battery in 2-3 days.

Unfortunately, I have no recollection of it at this time, otherwise I'd tell you exactly. I remember the problem, but a buddy of mine actually resolved it, and I forgot what he did. The answer might be in the archives.

I apologize that this post may offer no real solution to your problem.
Old 09-11-07, 10:59 AM
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yeah the loss is unnoticeable. I have parked my FB for over a month with the battery cables in tack. starts right up with no issues.
Old 09-11-07, 11:05 AM
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Checked the wiring diagram. You should have a B/W and W/B wire for your alt. Maybe you have it plugged into somewhere else? Also, try tracing those wires back. Maybe someone added and extension to reach and that is why the colors don't match up?

I check based on an '83. If you have something else, I would be happy to look that up too.
Old 09-11-07, 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by gsl-se addict
Checked the wiring diagram. You should have a B/W and W/B wire for your alt. Maybe you have it plugged into somewhere else? Also, try tracing those wires back. Maybe someone added and extension to reach and that is why the colors don't match up?

I check based on an '83. If you have something else, I would be happy to look that up too.
That seems to be the problem. Someone at one point must of cut the harness at a few points? I found a wire that may be the one that goes to the Alt. Its black/white and has been cut but it wraps around the drivers side behind the radiator and then toward the alt. Could this be the wire. Its also a thicker wire.
Old 09-11-07, 07:31 PM
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Pic of wire's origin PLEEEZ !
Old 09-11-07, 08:07 PM
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http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/file...g_Diagrams.pdf
This link confirms the wire color but I cant seem to find where this wire begins on the wire harness! lol , Almost there!
Old 09-11-07, 10:02 PM
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Aldo,
I just got home so I will do it tomorrow morning.
Old 09-11-07, 10:43 PM
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Thnx bro!
Old 09-12-07, 10:25 AM
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here ya go.

Old 09-12-07, 01:17 PM
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Those are some good pictures. They clearly show one wire goes to the old harness and the other goes to B+.

Now just to overcommunicate, the wire that goes to the old harness is for the alt light, right? And the other wire that would come on with the ignition switch is no longer used, right?
Old 09-12-07, 01:32 PM
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on the stock t-connector, the upper one is to trigger the alternator (if you're using a 81-88) . In this case, its a S5 alternator so dont use it. The bottom controls the stock gauges etc etc.
Old 09-12-07, 02:12 PM
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Thanks Wacky! Now is that the side I should be looking for the original harness wires on an FB? Thanks again bro you saved the day! We got similar looking motors! lol
Old 09-12-07, 08:10 PM
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Heres what was hooked up to my alt? This may explain why my wipers never shut off was I turn them on.

Old 09-12-07, 08:58 PM
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lol... If those wire are blue w/ yellow stripe and blue w/black stripe, those are for your windshield washer motor... The alt connection should run from the driver's side over to the alt. Even if you can't find the wire, it is not a big deal. The alt will wok without it, but the idiot lights won't turn off when you start the car, though. Did your warning lights function correctly before?

In regards to DirectFreak's statement about the discharge, Wacky has his wired correctly so the discharge will not occur. People ran into problems before because they were trying to use both wires in the stock alt plug instead of connecting the S terminal to a constant battery supply. The S terminal expects 12v at all times (even with car off). People were connecting to the wire that was connected to the stock alt's L terminal (switched 12v). Well, when the car is turned off, the alt sees 0v on the S terminal. It sees this as a huge draw on the system and trys to charge at full capacity to bring up to 12v. Well, it can't since the engine is not running and ends up draining the battery in a day or 2.
Old 09-13-07, 06:01 AM
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Addict, yea thats what was plugged in there. Never thought twice about it unitl I began to read the "s5 upgrade" thread. What I decided to do for now is run a wire directly to the battery w/ a fuse of course and see if the line gets hot. If it does it may be the Alt. One side note: When connected the car shows about 18-19v on the gauge so I assuming the alt. is fine.
Old 09-13-07, 09:23 AM
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overcharging. Normal charging should be around 13v-14v.


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