I'm going to be installing a 140 amp alternator in my boat in the next week (upgrade from stock 60amp alt), but I just wanted to check on something that isn't that clear to me. <BR> <BR>When I install the new alternator, do I need to connect the alternator to the starter? Or can I just run the charge wire off of the alternator directly into the postive post on the battery? <BR> <BR>But why does the alternator run through the starter in the first place on the stock setup? <BR> <BR>So I have two options, which one is correct: <BR>A.) Alternator - Starter - 60amp breaker - Pos. battery post <BR>B.) Alternator - new 150amp breaker - Pos. Battery Post <BR> <BR>Hopefully someone can help me out with a real short answer (don't need to explain too much). <BR> <BR>(Message edited by sinkoumn on May 06, 2007)

B <BR> <BR>They run it to save wire (It wouldn't let me just post 'b') <BR> <BR>(Message edited by rallyart on May 06, 2007)

I agree with Art. I just installed a 100amp and ran a piggyback line to the starter, mostly for insurance purposes since the stock wires werent designed for that kind of charging.

Sinko- where did you get your alt and how much?

Either is fine. You probably have 2/0 from the factory so wire size is also fine. Upgrade the alt to starter wire on the tie in route to at least 2AWG assuming same length. Alt to battery does not require a breaker if you go direct connect. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by Olskooltige on May 07, 2007)

Awesome, thanks much for the input! <BR> <BR>Badzuki, I got the alternator from dbelectrical.com

you wont be able to get a 2 ga wire to fit to the post of the alt. A 8 ga wire will be fine.

orly? <BR>2gauge - purple - TIF2AWG wire from Esoteric audio. Fits just fine. I would not run smaller than 2AWG for the charge line on a 120A+ alt. 6AWG should be a minimum for that load. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/444962.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/444963.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>Sinko- <BR>good choice on db. Those are great guys and Ron will work out everything to be sure you are happy.