Charging issues

[Beekeeper]

Ok, sounds good. That's on my list this weekend. I'll run 8 gauge just to be safe. If I get bored, I'll rewrap the harness to give it a nice clean factory look.

So after doing this, I'll run the engine a while to get the battery topped off then check the voltage at the alternator and the battery. If I understand correctly, it should be almost the same since there is now so little resistance.

I'm always a little paranoid of electrical stuff, probably because I understand it the least of all my cars workings. I plan to keep checking it regularly too in case the alternator is acting up.

Thanks for all the great advice.

[Chryco Psycho]

correct , the voltage should be very close to the same at the alt & Battery , I usually run the bypass around the engine compartment instead of across the engine , just less chance of it getting melted or damaged that way

[Beekeeper]

So I ran the 8 ga wire as a bypass. It worked great! The ammeter needle doesn't move much which is fine. The voltage is steady at 14.8 volts at battery and alternator. Hoping I never have battery issues ever again!  Thanks for the help guys.

[Chryco Psycho]

 

[jhaag]

what gauge wire runs from the starter relay to the battery on an OE style battery cable? Is it smaller than 8 gauge? If so doesn't that defeat the purpose?

[dodj]

what gauge wire runs from the starter relay to the battery on an OE style battery cable? Is it smaller than 8 gauge?

It's #8 or #10 i think.

[Beekeeper]

It looks like 8 to me.

[jhaag]

Thanks, I bought a generic and the pigtail looks like it is 14 gauge.