Motorola Alternator

[Mike Harry]

Allright, the alt. is weird. Its a motorola and has a big box on the back of it Im not used to seeing on any automotive type alt.

What is that thing and why does it have a wire hanging off of it (I never did see my alt. hooked up so I am clueless as to where it wires up to).

I took it to the nearest auto parts store. They had no idea how to hook it up and check it....... so, Im at all of your mercy.

Should I just buy a new single wire (marine of course) alt. and ditch this thing, or is it some kind of special alt. that I should really keep. Its only 55 amps, its not like it is a really big one or anything.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[phil]

I'm interested in this as well. Mine is also a Motorola alternator.

[Mike Harry]

Phil, how is yours wired up? I know where the hot wire goes, but the other wire... I just don't know. Motor was taken apart when I got my boat.

[RonT]

I haven't worked on one of these in 20 years but as I recall some engines had remote located voltage regulators & some were mounted on the alternator. Either way you will always have one large (#10) red or orange wire coming out of the alt. feeding the battery, A purple #14 feeding the voltage regulator from the ign. switch. between the regulator & alternator will be the "field or exciter" wires, as many as (3) a black ground, green & red (16 or 14#) if you need more than this let me know & I will dig out my old manuels.

[Mike Harry]

Took it to Alt./Starter rebuild joint today. They tested it and said it is fine. Told me the wire coming from the regulator goes to power, but only when the key is in the ON position.

Thanks Ron!

[phil]

And just to get back to you gongchuan, my boat is not stored at my house otherwise I would snap a pick real quick. Let me know if you still care for pictures...

[Mike Harry]

If you get around to it man. I appreciate you getting back with me, but after talking with the alternator /starter Guy I think I've got it nailed down. Thanks again!

[Joel]

Not to beat a dead horse (I'm known for that) but what type or kind of alternator SHOULD we use if we need to replace it???  Mine looks like the pulley is warped and likes to slowly chew up my fanbelt...  dang-nab-bit!!!!  Its nothing that has to be done NOW, but eventually its gonna have to get fixed or buy a new one.

[Mike Harry]

I would GUESS any MARINE alternator would work. the only thing is, if you buy one that doesnt have the voltage regulator built onto it, you will have to have an exturnal regulator or vise versa.

I would replace with what I had if it was bad. If you have someone near you that rebuilds alternators and starters, I would bet that he/she could replace the pulley for a fairly minimal charge.

[Mike Harry]

Ok, so here is the deal. I have all the parts (I think) to put the alternator back on the motor...... but for the life of me I cant figure out how it all goes together. Its alot of peices. Can someone shoot me a picture of your setup so I can get this thing going?

Thanks in Advance