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3G alternator install

  • Thread starter Thread starter Blandnuts
  • Start date Start date Sep 27, 2004
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Blandnuts

I don't swallow; I only swoosh
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FloorDuh
Sep 27, 2004
#1
  • Sep 27, 2004
  • #1
I have 4 gauge wire running from the back of the alternator to the starter solenoid. The instructions I have say to add two wires (12 gauge) to the 4 gauge wire with a fuse inbetween. I have one 12 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse and I guess I need another one. I have two questions though. What size fuse do I actually need? It seems that 2 30 amp fuses isn't going to be enough since the alternator is a 130 amp. Also, can I bypass the 2 wires and just get an inline fuse inbetween the 4 gauge wire? If so, what size fuse will I need?

Basically for anyone who did this upgrade, what did you do for this part?


thanks
fred
 

Blandnuts

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FloorDuh
Sep 27, 2004
#2
  • Sep 27, 2004
  • #2
Well, after some searching on the Corral I found a good artical that goes into better detail.

Anyone know where I can get an inline fuse with a 125amp rating (cheap)? The site posted a link but it doesn't work.
 
H

horseplay91

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Sep 27, 2004
#3
  • Sep 27, 2004
  • #3
when i did the upgrade i just did it the hassle free way and ordered up the wiring from pa performance that comes with a built in fuse. its a little pricey but when i had the piece in my hand i can say it was definitely money well spent.
 

TC93

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Sep 11, 2000
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Sep 27, 2004
#4
  • Sep 27, 2004
  • #4
Here is how I did my 3G install... http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/400797/4
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
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  • Sep 27, 2004
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Blandnuts said:
Anyone know where I can get an inline fuse with a 125amp rating (cheap)? .
Click to expand...
stereo shop might have one.
 

Blandnuts

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FloorDuh
Sep 28, 2004
#6
  • Sep 28, 2004
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Myke86GT said:
Here is how I did my 3G install... http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/400797/4
Click to expand...


Where did you get the fuse and how much?
 

Blandnuts

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Sep 28, 2004
#7
  • Sep 28, 2004
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HISSIN50 said:
stereo shop might have one.
Click to expand...


The only ones they had that size were the expensive ones (ANL). Not that I'm a cheap guy or nothing
 

5spd GT

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Sep 28, 2004
#8
  • Sep 28, 2004
  • #8
horseplay91 said:
when i did the upgrade i just did it the hassle free way and ordered up the wiring from pa performance that comes with a built in fuse. its a little pricey but when i had the piece in my hand i can say it was definitely money well spent.
Click to expand...

Yeah same here...I got there 4g Wire Upgrade kit...it came with everything you need...and has nice instructions...
 

jrichker

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#9
  • Sep 28, 2004
  • #9
Here's websites with pictures of the 3G (94 Mustang and later 130 amp alt) installation procedure...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of the installation

See these sites for the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

Under no circumstances connect the two 10 gauge black/white wires to the 3G alternator. If the fuse blows in the 4 gauge wire, the two 10 gauge wires may be overloaded to the point of catching fire and burning up the wiring harness.


See WWW.partsexpress.com for the fuse & fuse holder.

Fuse = http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=071-952

Fuseholder = http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=263-630
 

TC93

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Ellerslie GA 31807
Sep 28, 2004
#10
  • Sep 28, 2004
  • #10
Blandnuts said:
Where did you get the fuse and how much?
Click to expand...


I got it form Advance Auto, where they have all the fuses, wire and but connectors. It was a few dollars, don't remember exactly ,but wasn't much.
 

ricer-roni

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#11
  • Sep 28, 2004
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yea, soon to do the 3g myself, and i am just getting the PA kit that has everything already set up.
 

Blandnuts

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Sep 28, 2004
#12
  • Sep 28, 2004
  • #12
jrichker said:
Here's websites with pictures of the 3G (94 Mustang and later 130 amp alt) installation procedure...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of the installation

See these sites for the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

Under no circumstances connect the two 10 gauge black/white wires to the 3G alternator. If the fuse blows in the 4 gauge wire, the two 10 gauge wires may be overloaded to the point of catching fire and burning up the wiring harness.


See WWW.partsexpress.com for the fuse & fuse holder.

Fuse = http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=071-952

Fuseholder = http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=263-630
Click to expand...


I was using the site with the pictures for the install. When it came time to do the wires to the solenoid, I started using the other site you mentioned. It seemed like they were adding work that didn't need to be done... Anyways, thanks for the help with the fuses, I'm gonna try Advanced Auto parts first and if they don't have it I'm gonna use parts express.



thanks everyone.
fred
 
9

90StangLX

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Sep 29, 2004
#13
  • Sep 29, 2004
  • #13
I bought my fuse+fuseholder on eBay.. I actually bought 2 fuses just so I'd have a backup. Local stereo shop wanted like 50 bucks for the fuseholder alone!
 

Blandnuts

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FloorDuh
Sep 29, 2004
#14
  • Sep 29, 2004
  • #14
I went to Bennett and bought a bus fuse for 3 bucks. It's only a 120 amp but that's better since it will blow before any other damage can occur.

I spent 8 bucks on wire, 3 on fuse, 5 on other little stuff. Not too bad.
 

afast93stang

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Jan 6, 2002
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Sep 29, 2004
#15
  • Sep 29, 2004
  • #15
I just did my PA 3G upgrade yesterday and bought their kit, well worth it. Im glad I didnt have to hassle going around trying to find the fuses and wiring for it.
 
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Biggeley

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Mar 4, 2003
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Sep 30, 2004
#16
  • Sep 30, 2004
  • #16
Blandnuts said:
I have 4 gauge wire running from the back of the alternator to the starter solenoid. The instructions I have say to add two wires (12 gauge) to the 4 gauge wire with a fuse inbetween. I have one 12 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse and I guess I need another one. I have two questions though. What size fuse do I actually need? It seems that 2 30 amp fuses isn't going to be enough since the alternator is a 130 amp. Also, can I bypass the 2 wires and just get an inline fuse inbetween the 4 gauge wire? If so, what size fuse will I need?

Basically for anyone who did this upgrade, what did you do for this part?
thanks
fred
Click to expand...

If I were you, I'd run down to the local parts store and pick up two 14-gauge fusible links for a Ford vehicle.. They should be about 4 bucks apiece.. Then hook both of those to your 4 gauge and hook the other end up to your starter solenoid. Works like a charm for me.
 

Blandnuts

I don't swallow; I only swoosh
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Aug 21, 2000
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FloorDuh
Sep 30, 2004
#17
  • Sep 30, 2004
  • #17
Biggeley said:
If I were you, I'd run down to the local parts store and pick up two 14-gauge fusible links for a Ford vehicle.. They should be about 4 bucks apiece.. Then hook both of those to your 4 gauge and hook the other end up to your starter solenoid. Works like a charm for me.
Click to expand...


I already purchased a 120 amp fuse for the 4 gauge wire. How many amps are those fuse links capable of taking? That's the problem I found with one of the sites I was following. They tell you to buy 4 gauge wire then split that with fuse links and run 2 12 gauge wires off of that. Doesn't seem safe to me.

Also, are you running any add ons to your electrical system? Stereo...?



fred
 
F

frmus3

Banned
Sep 2, 2004
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Sep 30, 2004
#18
  • Sep 30, 2004
  • #18
how much you guys pay for those alternators plus wiring? im looking to get electric fan and need a 3G
 

Blandnuts

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Founding Member
Aug 21, 2000
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FloorDuh
Sep 30, 2004
#19
  • Sep 30, 2004
  • #19
Well, it helps if you know people because I only paid 129 for a reman 3G. I'm at roughly 16 bucks for the wiring and I bought "nice" stuff for a clean install.

So 145 here.


fred
 

TC93

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Sep 11, 2000
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57
Ellerslie GA 31807
Oct 1, 2004
#20
  • Oct 1, 2004
  • #20
I have about $10 in in the 3G upgrade. I had and alt from a 96GT and a buddy at a local parts store swapped it out for a 95GT under waranty. So all I had to buy was the fuse, and some connectors. Had the wire from a old project when moving the battery to the back.
 
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