anyone install a big 3 on an old ford?

[e36m3_98 10+ year member]

so I was trying to run the positive wire from the alternator to the battery, however, the 1986 crown vic's alternator has a harness. I found the wires on the harness that go to the battery the problem is though when I removed the harness and tested the voltage on the pins at idle it showed 58 volts on the dmm, however the voltage on the battery when the car is running is 14.2 volts with the alternator plugged in. is there something wrong. I am scared to run a wire from the alt that puts out 58 volts to a 12 volt battery. The car runs fine and the battery hasn't like exploded yet.

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

What's the problem here? You just run a new wire. Don't touch the stock wiring.

Follow the guide and you'll be fine.

 

[e36m3_98 10+ year member]

well the problem here is that I have to tap into the stock wiring harness since there isn't a post. second the output of the alternator is 58 volts. I don't know if thats normal or not and I want to make sure before I run a wire to the battery which puts out 12 volts. 58 to 12 I don't want stuff to explode

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

well the problem here is that I have to tap into the stock wiring harness since there isn't a post. second the output of the alternator is 58 volts. I don't know if thats normal or not and I want to make sure before I run a wire to the battery which puts out 12 volts. 58 to 12 I don't want stuff to explode

There should be a wiring harness, as well as a positive output post.

And there is no way its putting out 58v AC, either youre doing something wrong or your DMM does not work properly.

 

[QtrHorse 10+ year member]

Does the alternator look like this; 1986 Vic. Alternator? If it does, then you are correct, it does not have the usuall power wire connection like most alternators have. If you look at the pic that is labeled front, that plug off to the left is the power connection. I'm not really sure how you would splice into it. One thing though, I seriously doubt your alternator is putting out 58 volts.

If that's not what your alternator looks like, take a picture of the back of your alternator for us.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

kids and their big 3 these days...

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Does the alternator look like this; 1986 Vic. Alternator? If it does, then you are correct, it does not have the usuall power wire connection like most alternators have. If you look at the pic that is labeled front, that plug off to the left is the power connection. I'm not really sure how you would splice into it. One thing though, I seriously doubt your alternator is putting out 58 volts.
If that's not what your alternator looks like, take a picture of the back of your alternator for us.

I can promise you that that is his alternator. Looks just like the one that was on my '87 Crown Vic. The '86 and the '87 Crown Vics had the same 302 though the '87 had full-plenum fuel-injection whereas the '86 didn't. My alternator guy says that particular plug was a consistent source of consternation for Ford until they got rid of it - it was plagued with problems.

 

[e36m3_98 10+ year member]

yes that is exactly how my alternator looks and yes the power wires are the 2 wires to the right of the big connector as looking from the front of the alternator. Also I used my fluke and yes it did say 58 volts thats pretty much the basis for this thread and no my fluke dmm is not messed up since it reads 14.2 volts on my battery. lol makes me think now hmm no wonder it ***** the electrolyte in my battery and I had to add dh20 somewhat often

 

[e36m3_98 10+ year member]

so here is a pic. to show you guys.

 

[MisterE 10+ year member]

must be a fluke

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[MisterE 10+ year member]

figure it out?