2nd Field Ground

[TOMRR]

I need to add a Ground wire to the 2nd Field on my Alternator on my 69RR. What Gage wire should I use ?

Thanks Tom C.

 

[Badvert65]

14 gauge should work just fine. It basically needs to be at least as big as the other field wire (or bigger).

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Hopefully someone who knows more will chime in, but isn't that field wire a "hot" wire? In general, you can't go too big on a ground wire..... maybe 12 gage or 10 gage?

 

[silversedan]

1969 should still be a single field alt system , if using a newer alt with two field plugings just ground one to the case with a short wire or take the insulating washer off the screw so the screw grounds the brush.

 

[69Bee]

A ground wire is generally one size smaller than the service wire. That being said, a 14awg or 12awg would be just fine. Without calculating a turns ratio for the current, the original field wires were either 14 or 12 anyway.

 

[thomas patti]

I agree with SILVERSEDAN. `69 was a single field alternator,patti

 

[TOMRR]

I agree with SILVERSEDAN. `69 was a single field alternator,patti

Yes they are, I upgraded

 

[Badvert65]

Basically, single field alternators are internally grounded on one end and the other is the field plug which is switched positive voltage from the regulator.
Dual field alternators are NOT internally grounded. Instead they have one field plug with constant battery voltage and the other field connection is a switched ground from the voltage regulator.
That is why the dual field alternators will work with one plug grounded and use of the early style regulator.
This is a simplified explanation of things, but essentially correct.

 

[383man]

A ground wire is generally one size smaller than the service wire. That being said, a 14awg or 12awg would be just fine. Without calculating a turns ratio for the current, the original field wires were either 14 or 12 anyway.

This is fine. I always use 14 gauge on the field wire when grounding one. The ground carries the same current the positive field wires carries and the positive field 12 volt wire is 14 gauge. Ron

 

[mopar 3 B]

Or you can update to the 2 field regulator. If you want it to look original gut an old regulator and install a jumper. I hide the new regulator under the washer bottle inches from the alternator.

 

[Glenwood]

the schematic calls for 18awg, but I've always thought that was too small. 14awg is a good choice imo.

Glen

 

[Nacho-RT74]

16 is enough and is actually the original.

However there is an easier way to ground the field to become the alt on single field. Replace the isolation washer for a metallic one on one of the brush/prong assembly.

Cut the prong for safety making a mistake connecting the wire field.