Alternator Help..please look at photo

[mally002]

Hey guys,

Earlier I posted about dim lights and motor hesistating. I started to begin removing the alternator and found a wire disconnected, and another "object" that I wasnt familiar with.

Is this a ground wire from the alternator and if so would it being disconnected cause the alternator not to work?

Also what is the other "object" that is attached to a wire, I checked my manual but didn't find anything. I hate to buy a new alternator if this might be the problem.....any thoughts.

Thanks,

Randy

[JimmyZ]

Don't know if this helps but here is a pic of mine. Large black wire goes into harness FWIW.

The "other" object meaning the noise suppresor?? It looks like the condenser on your distributor. Don't worry about the noise suppresor.

Take a voltmeter and see if the alt is working. 13.6-14.2 volts is the normal voltage that should be read at the battery posts during running.

By all means reconnect the wire though.

My Z is a 2/71

[Arne]

As Jimmy pictured, there should be four wires to the back of the alternator. The pair in the plastic connector, a white/red wire, and a heavy black wire that connects to the alternator case to ground it. The capacitor is not strictly necessary, it serves to suppress radio interference.

I'll try to remember to take a picture of the red car's alternator when I get home this evening. It is still totally stock, unlike the yellow car which has the ZX conversion.

[Carl Beck]

It looks like some previous owner had added a second lead from the Positive Post. This is usually done to channel power directly to the battery (rather than having it all go though the cars wiring harness - when super amplifiers are added etc.).

Looks like someone just cut it off, rather than removing it from the Positive Post....

If that's the case, just remove it from the Positive Post on the Alternator and discard it.

A clear picture looking at the rear of the Alt. would be better...but the above is what it "looks like" to me.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[mally002]

Thanks guys,

Here are a few more pictures if it helps.....

Where does that bottom black wire go??

[Arne]

As I noted above, and the attached picture shows, there are only 4 wires connected to the alternator from the factory. The two small wires in the plastic T-connector, a large white/red that connects to the 'B' terminal, and a large black that connects to the 'E' terminal ('E' for Earth or Ground). The condenser (if present) bolts to the ground with the black wire, and its wire goes to the 'B' terminal.

If you have more wires than those four, they have been added by a previous owner and you'll need to trace them down yourself to see what they do and if they are still necessary.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Hey Arne! Got Oil Leaks?

Can I buy just a basic condensor at the local auto parts store? I now have the ZX alternator and the ZX adaptor and the alternator did'nt come with a condensor and I think the stock one that is connected to the VR plug is bad.

Should I buy 2 of them? And one other question, did ya send out that letter we spoke of earlier last week? I'm getting ready to call "my Guy" and wanted to know if you still wanted those items.

Dave.

[Arne]

Hey Arne! Got Oil Leaks?

Yup. Still working on the transmission, haven't made it that far forward yet.

Can I buy just a basic condensor at the local auto parts store? I now have the ZX alternator and the ZX adaptor and the alternator did'nt come with a condensor and I think the stock one that is connected to the VR plug is bad.

I'd assume that any normal condenser suitable for most any car would do. Can't swear to that, though.

And one other question, did ya send out that letter we spoke of earlier last week? I'm getting ready to call "my Guy" and wanted to know if you still wanted those items.

Dave.

Yeah, still want 'em. But I haven't mailed it yet. Try to remember to do that this weekend.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Arne,

Well in that case, I'll make sure I order extras what I make the order.

The rest of you.....

You guys need to stop posting picks of yer engine compartment unless you're gonna clean it up first. You're making me look good over here.

Just messing with ya'll

Dave.

[Friar-Tuck]

Z's,

Condensers are rated in Farads (sp?) I think an alternator rebuild shop could recommend a rating. The condenser is for reduced radio interference.

To the best of my knowledge,

Tuck \o/

[Zs-ondabrain]

Your knowledge is correct. I just haven't bought them seperately before. I know that the condensor on the Dizzy is similar but thought I'd ask if anyone had bought just the alternator or VR condensor, and if so (Part number? auto parts store? brand name? Probably denso.

I, of all fricken people (Stereo installer by trade) have engine noise but did'nt get it until I installed the ZX alternator into the 240Z.

Thanks,

Dave.

[sblake01]

The 'E' terminal is a ground, as stated earlier. Since the in car test is conducted with a voltmeter with the positive probe on the 'BAT' terminal and the negative probe on the 'E' terminal, I'd say that bottom black wire needs to be grounded.