My Wacky Alternator :(

EDIT: After looking at the wiring schematics in my manual, I noticed that the picture does show two different connectors. However, the color labels for some of the wires are wrong. So why does the alternator off my 88 only have a post for a single power line?

I had always noticed that my voltage meter in the dash hadn't worked and that the alternator on my 87TC seemed a lot different than that on my 88 parts car. I never really payed much attention to it until tonight...

Can anybody out there tell me WHAT THE HELL happened to my alternator wiring? It seems that somebody spliced the original power cable into some two-wire connector so they could use some whack alternator that doesn't even belong on the car. Should I just cut out the spliced part and put in a ring connector so I can hook it up to my 88TC's alternator?

Also, I can't seem to figure out where that lonesome black wire coming off the left of the voltage regular harness (i think) should go. I dug pretty deep into the loom and didn't find any other lonesome black wires in there, so I'm at a loss as to what I should connect it to. I do have a feeling that it might be the signal return line for my volts gauge, though.

Any input or even pictures would be very greatly appreciated.

------------------
Estoril blue 1987 TC 5spd, 141k miles
PRofec B electronic boost controller, kirban fpr, walbro 255 pump, Bailey BOV, Spearco 26x8x3 FMIC, a237 cam, t3/t4 50 trim / stage III .63, 3" exhaust, eec-tuner, 55pph injectors,
Best 1/4 mile: 13.64 (with 2.19 60' time) @ 102.91mph And that was on 93 octane [Image: wink.gif]

[This message has been edited by SteveXX82 (edited 09-29-2003).]

Steve, my 87 and 88 are both different as well, if that's any consolation. The 87 has two plug ins and the 88 has only one plug in along with the ring connector. Don't use the black wire. It was probably there because the person before you replaced the harness with a universal Ford harness. Only the two thicker wires are used.

------------------
87 T/C, 5sp., Ported/Polished head, 1.89, 1.59 S.S Valves. Motorsport Lifters, A-234 cam, ported lower, gutted upper intakes, Rod's S/S headers, 3" DP, T3/T04E 46, Gillis BCV, K&N Air Filter, 42LB injectors, kirban Adj. FPR, Walbro 255 FP, Diablo chip, Head and Main studs, APR rod bolts.
The next mod is to install the GN intercooler.
88 T/C stock, 5sp.

[This message has been edited by rairbird (edited 09-29-2003).]

Originally posted by rairbird:
Steve, my 87 and 88 are both different as well, if that's any consolation. The 87 has two plug ins and the 88 has only one plug in along with the ring connector. Don't use the black wire. It was probably there because the person before you replaced the harness with a universal Ford harness. Only the two thicker wires are used.

Do you have any idea what's different between each set of wiring? I suspect my current alternator (the two-plug one) of heading south on me and creating a godawful whining noise, so I had hoped to swap on the spare 88 on to see if it helped. Is it as simple as converted that charge plug into a single wire with a ring connector?

Also, is one of the wires on the charge plug burnt / cut to oblivion on your 87, too?

Well about 2 months ago i was thinking the same thing when i wanted to replace my then current alt with one from my parts car. This info might not be 100% accurate but from my experience and searching this site i have found out that the plug was used on the stock alt and later was considered a fire hazzard, and was replaced with a mitsubishi alt that that has a output power post out the back of the alternator. I believe the connector terminal connections would corrode and draw high current, so it was replaced with and eyelet and terminal post connection to solve this. Dont worry about the black wire that goes to nothing just keep it how it was. As far as the output power wire the bigger the better in my opinion. I forget the wiring specifics but in the tech articles print out the 3G Alternator upgrade article and read that. It will explain the current wiring (which will clarify your problem) along with how to change to the 3G alternator, which i highly recommend. Especially because i just saw a post about your speedo jumping around and i know that this happened to my parents in there TC right as the alt took a shit. If you notice electrical problems the first thing i would do is run new ground straps, - of battery to frame and engine and make sure all the connections are clean. Damn im out of breathe.

Speaking of alternator problems, does anybody have a problem going through accessory belts? Seems my belt likes to "slap" against the lower alternator bolt.

Any suggestions or comments?

Thanks,
Keith

------------------
88 TC, mostly stock. Future plans include: Eibach Front Lowering Kit; Gillis Valve; 2.5" Stainless Cat-Back Exhaust (done); T3 turbo; Ported/Polished head work; port-matching on all pieces; and the list could go on and on and on...

For every person with a spark of genius, there are a
hundred with ignition trouble.

Originally posted by kibstone:
Seems my belt likes to "slap" against the lower alternator bolt.

How much can you wiggle the belt? If it feels like there's an undue amount of slack in the belt, it may be time for a new tensioner and pulley. And are you sure the belt is being damaged by that lower bolt?

Steve, I don't know what you mean by "burn't cut to oblivion". I have had to replace the harness twice because it melted. The pic you offered does not look like it is defective or burnt. If it is, just get another univeral harness ( 3 leads ) and use only the two thicker ones.

------------------
87 T/C, 5sp., Ported/Polished head, 1.89, 1.59 S.S Valves. Motorsport Lifters, A-234 cam, ported lower, gutted upper intakes, Rod's S/S headers, 3" DP, T3/T04E 46, Gillis BCV, K&N Air Filter, 42LB injectors, kirban Adj. FPR, Walbro 255 FP, Diablo chip, Head and Main studs, APR rod bolts.
The next mod is to install the GN intercooler.
88 T/C stock, 5sp.

Originally posted by rairbird:
Steve, I don't know what you mean by "burn't cut to oblivion".

The output harness has the two thicker wires that end up being sliced together a bit down the line, and then one hole where the remnants of what used to be a wire once resided. I just wanted to make sure this wire wasn't necessary and that I shouldn't be upset over it's apparent demise.

At any rate, I modified that bracket entirely to the ring connector type and bolted up my spare 88TC alternator with the stud-type output. All is now well [Image: smile.gif]
Thanks guys!

Ive got a problem with the blades on the alternator cutting through my power steering belt. Its not a ford alternator, at least thats what my brother tells me. I have to go out at least once a month and beat the blades back into place with a hammer. It keeps me from having to drive it without power steering, which it sucks to do. He told me that he had to change the arrangement of the plugs on my 87. It diddnt sink in the was he was explaining it. Can you all tell me what he did exactly and could this be the reason why my charge gauge isnt working?

Huey

------------------
87 Turbo coupe, 5spd, full factory options, custom 3 inch exhaust

[This message has been edited by Huey866 (edited 10-03-2003).]

I too have the 87 with a screwed up alternator and I installed an 88 alt. all I did was plugged in the connector that is the same and cut the power wire where it turns into one and put a ring terminal on it. works great, it looks better and only cost a couple bucks, so I aint complaining!