81 accord alternator wiring

[ScottArgos12]

I picked up an a 81 accord for real cheap to save it from getting crushed and the wiring is fried got everything wired but the voltage regulator and alternator. Can anyone help me figure out the wiring schematics for these things. Thanks.

[lostforawhile]

I'll try and find my book tomorrow, but if you can fit the later model one in, you'll get much better amperage output and the wiring is much simpler then the external regulated one, I know I had managed to fit an early GM one in one of my 81 civics, without too much trouble, the simple one with the internal regulator, but it was a long time ago, maby one for a three g might fit, and you get a lot more amps.

[ScottArgos12]

Yeah I'd definitely prefer an internal voltage regulator. One for a 94 for escort may fit with a little mods to the bracket. But I am short on money and have a brand new starter for my car already. Just can't figure out the wiring. Lol

[PDXAccord79]

Here's the manual for my 79:



That should do it if you're externally regulated.

[lostforawhile]

have you seen if you can fit one of the nippondenso alternators from a later model Honda in there? they would be cheap at the yard, and much better then these early ones, the main reason I replaced the one on my 81 was the miserable amperage output, add anything, stereo, fog lights etc, and it would be struggling, the rear window defroster would drop the voltage way down, the 81 had air, and if I ran the air, wipers, rear defogger, and lights, which you would do in bad weather, the battery would go from a charge to a drain, and that was with a good alternator

[Hazwan]

Um no nothing from any newer Honda would work mounting wise. Me and 2ndgenguy has 90s sentra alternator it's pretty much direct swap with the exception of the pulley (v-belt vs ribbed) and wiring which requires a few jumper by the stock regulator connector. I don't remember what's what but I'll check again when im back on my computer.

[ScottArgos12]

I looked at the newer alternators and the closest to fitting is one off of a ford escort just need to shorten part of the mounting bracket.

[ScottArgos12]

If you could let me know how the wiring would work for a sentra alternator I think that's the route I'd go considering I can get one from my work for 45 bucks.

[lostforawhile]

I'm sure I could look it up or figure it out, you will need the connector plug from one at the yard, most Japanese manufacturers use the same brands of alternators, if you can get it mounted in there, the wiring is usually pretty simple

[ScottArgos12]

I would greatly appreciate that. Any information on it woukd be awesome. I've never rewired a complete car before.

[lostforawhile]

most of the computer controlled ones will run just fine without a computer, normally all the computer does is unload the alternator to save gas, it's usually just the wire for the warning light circuit, and a field wire which goes to switched ignition power, some Japanese alternators have two different field circuits, which is still simple to hook up, the warning light circuit wire is pretty universal, i dont know how much wiring you replaced, but the bulb normally has 12 volts on one side of the bulb, and the warning light wire from the alternator is 12 volts when charging, which keeps the bulb off, and it becomes a ground when it's not charging, which causes the bulb to come on, on most Hondas with carburetors, the electric choke is also wired to the charge warning light wire, when the alternator is charging this indicates the engine is turning, and the positive voltage from the wire, powers the electric choke coil

[ScottArgos12]

I've ripped out the entire wiring harness. So its all gonna be new. Not running any factory gauges and have a weber carb so the choke is just the single 12v wire. I just need to get a better alternator to charge

[PDXAccord79]

You're also going to need all the wiring for your ignition as well. Your ICM will be in the dizzy so it won't be as bad. I've actually thought about swapping to the 81 dizzy so I can get rid of the external ICM.

[lostforawhile]

I've ripped out the entire wiring harness. So its all gonna be new. Not running any factory gauges and have a weber carb so the choke is just the single 12v wire. I just need to get a better alternator to charge

if you want an alternator warning light, it's really simple to wire