Re: ihc-digest V5 #101 Re: Summit alternator

[Steven Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Scouters,

The Summit alternator is easy, it's the only one they have.  Fits virtually anything with a Delco alternator.  Fits perfect in the Scout
bracket.  Hook it up with number 8 stranded wire.  It's chrome too.  But who could see it down there?

When I hooked up mine I corrected the GM style wiring harness.  Got sick of messing with cooked, oil-soaked wiring at the starter.  What a pain.
I've always wondered what genius came up with this idea.  Notice that Ford and Chrysler haven't followed suit.  Must mean the $$ savings wasn't
worth it.

I made a terminal block out of heavy plastic, using two 3/8 x 2" bolts for the terminal screws.  Bolt it to the firewall just between the brake
booster and the fender.  The block is maybe 2 x 1 x 8 inches.  When you put the terminal bolts through the plastic put a nut and washer to hold
the bolt to the plastic.  Then add all your wires to the bolt and one more nut to hold the wires on.  Be sure to use two wrenches when tighening
or loosening the bolts as the plastic isn't as strong as a 5/8 wrench.  You can break it.

Next hook the battery directly to this terminal block and to *nothing* else.  You'll need to buy several battery hook up cables at the local
AutoZone.  Use number 2 or 4 cable.

Also hook from the negative terminal of the block *directly* to the engine block, and to the body/frame.  Again use number 2 or 4 cable.  Use
this ground for every circut you mess with as time goes by,  ground problems will never bother you again.

Hook up everything which was on the starter to the positive terminal on the block.  Check your wiring diagrams.  Pull the wires back out of the
harness as far as needed and go directly to the terminal block.  Also at this point if you're installing a one wire alternator, get rid of the
other alternator wires.  The alternator just hooks to the positive terminal of the block.

Hook from the positive terminal of the terminal block directly to the starter.  Use number 2 or 4 cable.

Leave the one wire which actually powers the starter solenoid hooked up as original.

Works like a charm.

If anyone wants one of these terminal blocks just let me know.  I'll have to charge a bit to cover materials but they are really simple to make.

Steve