Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 4/2009 444-544 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

I'm back to working on my '65 PV after a couple year pause, now working on the wiring. Since I'm adding a bunch of new electrical items (A/C, OD, radiator fan, cruise) I've decided to modify the system with a new "street rod" fuse block and associated wiring. The fuse block has 8 circuits; 4 switched & 4 unswitched. I was planning on powering the wipers, radio, fuel gauge, and engine warning lights on one of the switched circuits. I'm wondering if this may not be such a good idea, and I would appreciate your input.

The car's original B-18 was replaced with a B-20 sourced from a '75 240, which came with the period-correct Bosch alternator that uses an external voltage regulator. From what I've read about this alternator I believe that the charge warning light circuit may be essential for providing an initial excitation current to get the alternator on-line (I'm really not sure about that). If this is the case, then it may not be such a good idea to have it supplied by a circuit that is shared with other accessories.

Please help me understand the design of this charging system, specifically the function & requirements of the charge indicator light.

I will also post this in the 240 forum

Thanks,

Joe in St Louis








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

Joe,

I was glsd to see your question as I am at the same point with B20 install in my 444 project. My engine (from '74 142) also had the separate alternator and regulator.

I found the explanation at the following link very helpful and am using it:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_alternator_troubleshoot/914_alternator_troubleshoot.htm

My reading is that the D- terminal on the alternator goes to the spade terminal on the regulator and establishes a common ground between the two. The DF spade terminal on the alternator goes to the other terminal on the regulator. The D+ terminal goes through an indicator lamp and on to the ignition switch. The B+ terminal from the alternator goes to the main source on the car - in my 444 I think that's going to be the ammeter.

I have done the connections at the alternator and regulator and in the next couple of days plan to put the lamp between the ignition switch and wire from the D+ terminal on the alternator. Then the connection from the large wire from B+ on the alternator to ammeter. It is gonna be a while before I know if any of this works, but that's where I am now.

I don't know if any of this is right, but it sounded reasonable to me as I read the link. Anyone out there who knows better please chime in. I have long been very humble about my electrical skills - and after fooling with the wiper motor last week I'm even more humble.

Keith W.
444 Project - near Moline, IL








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

Keith,
There were a couple responses from fellows over on the 200 forum, one of which provided a link to a 140 Green Book with the OEM wiring diagram which I found useful (http://www.cricketlady.com/documents/Green_Books/140/Wiring-142-144-145-1968-70.pdf). Please allow me to add some comments to your wiring plan for clarity.

You wrote...

"My reading is that the D- terminal on the alternator goes to the spade terminal on the regulator and establishes a common ground between the two."

Note: That would be the D- spade terminal on the regulator. The 140 wiring diagram shows the alternator field & stator windings grounding to the case, and the D- terminal of the regulator grounding to the chassis. On my engine the alternator is rigidly mounted to an ear on the engine block, establishing a good path to ground. The D- stud on my alternator is an extension of one of the case assembly screws, and certainly is a good candidate for a chassis ground. Since I already am going to run some wires between the regulator & alternator), one more might make the harness a bit more sanitary & robust - good call.


Continuing with your message...

"The DF spade terminal on the alternator goes to the other terminal on the regulator."

Note: The "other terminal" would be the DF spade terminal on the regulator. In both the 140 wiring diagram and your referenced Porsche troubleshooting article it is shown as a green wire.


Continuing...

"The D+ terminal goes through an indicator lamp and on to the ignition switch."

Note: As per the Porsche diagram (140 diagram agrees), a red wire runs between the D+ terminal on the alternator to the D+ terminal on the regulator. On my alternator this terminal is marked "61/D+". In addition, the wiring diagrams show a second wire that runs between the regulator D+ terminal to the charge indicator light. The other side of the charge indicator light should be connected to switched, fused power from the ignition switch, as per the 140 diagram.


Continuing...

"The B+ terminal from the alternator goes to the main source on the car - in my 444 I think that's going to be the ammeter."

Note: I also plan on running an ammeter in my car. I plan on running the "B+" wire from the alternator (10 AWG) to the neg side of the ammeter. A similar gauge wire will run from the positive side of the ammeter to the starter solenoid (battery cable terminal) through a 60A Maxi Fuse at the solenoid end. The feed for the ignition switch will also connect to the neg side of the ammeter, along with the unswitched power feed to the fuse box.

Hope this is helpful,

Joe in St Louis








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

That all sounds fine to me.








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

The charge light is a necessary part of the D+ circuit. Alternator D+ goes to the charge light and nothing else, the other side of the charge light goes directly to the ignition switch RUN terminal. Noe of it goes through any fuses.








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Alternator Wiring Question 444-544

I wouldn't be the right person to ask. I was trouble shooting mine a little while back (bad battery) and found that it was wired somewhat incorrectly, and the only way it's been working for the last 7 years or so is by self exciting.

And, uh, since it seemed to be doing OK like that, I left it...

I think old alternators are better at that, they build up more of a residual magnetic field over time.
--
'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 +t







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.