Hi,

I have recently begun work on a locost my dad started building around 15 years ago. I am about do do a simple loom(sprint/hillclimb use only) but am not sure of the alternator connections. There is a three spade socket on the unit, am guessing there will be battery pos, dash bulb, and ground. Any idea which is which? i don't know unfortunately if the unit is original but it looks too new. Sorry for lack of info, the car is in the garage at the folks and i can't check now for serial no's maker etc.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/5/viewthread.php?tid=144832

posted yesterday hope its of use

That depends on the type of alternator - post up a pic of the terminals and I am sure we can help.

Oh and welcome

Earth is the body of the alternator.

Two fat spades are joined, just use one which goes to the battery, usually paired on the starter motor if on the same side.

Single small blade goes via the alternator bulb on the dash, this is a switched live on the other side.

Wow, what a fast response guys, thanks.

Yes the alternator and starter motor are both on the left hand side as view from the cockpit.

Do i have to use heavy cable on any of the alternator connections, ie big lugged cable like from starter solenoid to starter.

It won't attach to the spades but is is required for the earth? If there are mutiple heavy cables then i have missed some lug points on first inspection.

Should i wire the switched live to the alternator throught the switch for the ignition coil or have a separate switch, or go through the master cut out?



Thanks for the welcome

You need to identify the alternator make/model but it does sound like a Lucas type.

Two big 6.8 mm spade connectors - both connected - allow 2 runs of cable to carry more current and a smaller 4.7 mm connector for the charge lamp.

The earth is done via the alternator body .... most are like that.

Here is picture I drew up earlier:

Luicas alternator wiring

VWP sell the 3 way connector and right-angle spades.
Both wires from the 2 big spades can be 4 or 6mm2; or single wire 8mm2 ... but check that the wire will fit the terminal.

this may be of help.

http://www.qxcomponents.co.uk/tech.pdf

Great replies from all, thanks.

Will be soldering up some cables in work now i know where everthing is going.

The electrics are getting there although apparently you can no longer get a standard starter solenoid from halfords, or get replacement plugs just from the makers code. . .plenty of stickers tho

One lunchtime wasted. . .