View Full Version : Alternator (3G) Ground Wire
Carography
11-18-2025, 03:32 PM
Another 3G alternator thread. I was able to figure out how to wire my alternator (with the help of Mark from Breeze Automotive). The diagram I used shows a chassis ground wire. Seems easy enough. I just wanted to make sure I connect it to the alternator correctly. Any input on my wiring would also be appreciated.
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Mine is grounded via its attachment to the engine, and the engine is grounded in two locations.
Waterman
11-18-2025, 08:40 PM
Ground thru the brackets like most do. Make sure any powder coating is sanded off where bracket hits cylinder head and alternator. Any separate ground would need to be large AWG cable to handle the 100 or more AMPS.
CraigS
11-19-2025, 07:54 AM
I have never seen a ground wire on an alternator.
I have never seen a ground wire on an alternator.
My BPE engine was delivered with a ground wire attached to the alternator.
Carography
11-19-2025, 03:49 PM
My BPE engine was delivered with a ground wire attached to the alternator.
How large is the ground wire from BPE?
How large is the ground wire from BPE?
Definitely not a large gauge wire ... maybe 16 gauge about 6" long connected to the cylinder head.
Rebostar
11-19-2025, 06:36 PM
The one wire altinators sold by CVF with my V belt Pully kit have a screw for an external case ground. I'm sure the mounts and brackets supply all the required grounds for the altinator to function as mentioned above. A case ground may be to suppress alitnator noise coming through the radio. I used a medium bonding jumper on it.
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BornWestUSA
11-20-2025, 12:22 PM
When I was fixing my electrical issues I added the ground to the already installed tab on the alternator case, 10 guage I think.
Not totally necessary with clean / new mounts, but I figured why not? I always have 14 volts plus at idle with my one wire.
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gbranham
11-20-2025, 02:58 PM
My 1-wire has a ground post on the case. Figured it was there for a reason, so I grounded it to the block. It's probably superfluous, but can't hurt.
Greg
danmas
11-21-2025, 02:54 AM
My 1-wire has a ground post on the case. Figured it was there for a reason, so I grounded it to the block. It's probably superfluous, but can't hurt.
Greg
I also now have an additional ground to my one wire. Cvf wants it added in case the mounting bolts corrode. Thanks for this thread. Also to note that cvf wants a 200amp fuse installed between alternator and battery.
Never hurts to put a dedicated ground on the alternator. I used a 10 ga. to the frame, but also made sure it had clean contact points on the mounting brackets and covered them all with some dielectric grease.