Volvo Penta 2003 alternator connections

[Kylora]

Hi, looking for help.

I'm helping to refit a friend's Volvo Penta 2003 back into his Westerly.

Mostly sorted, but I'm left with a cable from the alternator which I don't know where to terminate. It's the relatively heavy cable which comes from the terminal which is closest to the block. I think that would be B-. The cable has a ring terminal and the shape and length of the cable takes it somewhere near the starter solenoid.

The other heavy cable from the alternator connection furthest from the block I think is B+ and I've connected it to the top stud on the starter solenoid along with the positive cable from the battery, and a thin red cable.

The engine is shaft drive.

Background information is that the engine was removed some months ago for mechanical overhaul. The gearbox, flywheel, bellhousing, starter motor had to be stripped off to get the engine out. The engine was rebuilt on the bench and test run using temporary connections.

Thanks

Ash

 

[RichardS]

I don't know your engine but the alternator is often connected to the starter motor/starter solenoid to save the heavy cabling which would be duplicated if the battery was also connected directly to the alternator. I don't know whether this might address the question?

Richard

 

[Stemar]

B+ is the output, +12.

B- is the 12V -ve. Mine is earthed to the engine block, which then goes to battery -ve

 

[179580]

Be careful here, some of the 2000 series had a 2 pole electrical system. Look for a heavy solenoid under the start motor. Another clue will be that the oil pressure sender and the temperature sender will have 2 terminals if a 2 pole version.

 

[Kylora]

Thanks for help so far.

I've made some further checks.

I've found that the bottom stud on the starter solenoid goes to 12 volts when engaging the starter. This is what I expected, but had doubts in case it was an isolated unit which needed +ve and -ve wiring.

If I make a temporary connection between my wire and the block earth then the panel and tacho light up in a normal manner. It didn't with the wire disconnected so I'm convinced it's an -ve connection, and I can make it work by extending the wire. Just can't see where it came off. I would assume that it was removed as part of the dismantling process. The ring terminal bears marks of a serrated washer.

Still looking for advice .

TIA

Ash

 

[Kylora]

I decided to use one of the mounting bolts for the heat exchanger as the termination of the earth wire.

My "logic" is that might have removed when dismantling the cylinder head.

Today's lesson, take quality photos before dismantling.

Ash