Hi All,

I've recently got a new upgraded alternator (45/50A) as my old one has died. The helpful instructions have indicated to use the supplied extra wire to distribute the extra charging power back to the starter solenoid. This would be easy enough if I didn't have a floor starter! At the same time I'd like to add a power source for some relays to the engine bay for headlights/spot lights etc.

I'm after some suggestions/ideas on solving both problems and keeping the floor starter button. At the moment I'm thinking of adding a thick cable from the positive side of the starter switch to a single terminal under the bonnet for un-switched positive connections and alternator e.g:


Any other ideas welcomed!

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That sounds like a good option.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Your post suggests you already have an alternator so presumably you've already modified the regulator so it serves as a simple distribution unit? (or just replaced it with a simple junction).

In which case you just update the regulator/junction input (from the alternator) and the output that goes to the battery (via the starter switch).

Cheers, Ian

there's no point running an extra wire back to the starter button - all that button does is feed battery voltage to the starter motor when you're trying to start the motor, the alternator isn't charging at that point, so what would an extra wire do??

it makes sense for cars with an actual starter solenoid, which is what 1071S is suggesting

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Yes the car has had an alternator for some time (since before I got the car). I have removed the old regulator.

The starter button (under the floor on my 850) is the closest source of un-switched positive in the car and what I thought would be the best place to direct the extra charge and also get source of power for lighting.

Happy to be corrected as I'm no electrical genius

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Running it to he battery cable there is equivalent to using the battery cable lug on the solenoid.
Which is where the alternator normally feeds to.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Run a generous size wire from the alternator to the insulated terminal (pictured) then to battery side of start button.
The old power wire from start button/battery can then go on insulated terminal too.

Here is an update for anyone interested.

The new red 4GA cable starts at the battery side of switch. I was able to tuck it into a couple of the wire tabs and secure with some cable ties.

It follows the starter cable and for now the terminal is on the flywheel housing in a similar location to the solenoid on key start cars. The red plastic terminal base is rubber mounted onto a recycled bracket. The brown wire is the additional + from the alternator. I've put a cover on the terminal to hopefully prevent any unwanted sparking from spanners etc. Might be updated to a tidier location when I can figure out something better.

At least now I've got a working alternator!

Edit:
The cold starting problem I've had this year (cranking for 10+ seconds, only starts when letting go of the starter button) is now gone. Not sure if it is the battery being fully charged again, the upgraded wiring letting more power to the blackbox, both or neither..

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