82 Diesel Alternator Connections

[phishfud]

My 82 diesel was missing the motor and trans, so after getting one in from a parts van, I just got a new alternator. The only wires I have going to that part of the engine is one large red one (cut) and some odd plug. I looked in the Bentley and saw a blue wire to the D+ terminal for the dash light (which I do not see anywhere in my engine bay). It also shows a second red wire that I dont have and it looks like a ground..again nowhere to be found. Can someone with a diesel help me out here? Thanks for any help. Pics attached so it makes sense.

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75 Westy
76 Westy
82 Westy Diesel
02 GTI
Multiple musclecar projects

..aint toys fun ???

[brickster]

Not sure, but here's a recent thread with some good quality photos of the bay:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=753337

[MarkWard]

That alternator would have had a molded plug from the factory with 2 BAT + terminals, the large ones, and a smaller terminal for the blue wire or D+.

No reason you can't use that alternator, but I'd make a T harness for the 2 BAT terminals and heat shrink all 3. Then secure it to the alternator so when the engine moves, that section of harness stays put.

Later alternators would have had a single BAT + wire as pictured, with an eyelet and a threaded post on the alternator. Hope that helps.

[RolandD]

I also have the black and brown wire with old style D-jetronic booty connector on my 82 diesel. It was not plugged in, and is still loose. It is NOT for the alternator. If anyone knows it's function, please enlighten me.

Roland

[T3messie]

Water expansion tank.?

[gchristensen]

It's late here and dark but in the daylight Ill get more but for now the wire with 1 brown wire and connecter goes to a plug in the coolant tank located near the fuel filter. I dont have mine connected and does not affect the operation. The large red wire goes to your battery and the black wire with the connector may go to your battery negative post or to a ground stud. I have looked at mine a 1982 diesel and is stock. so Ill have to look at mine for more information for you tomorrow when the lighting is better. Here are some images to tangle your brain around.

Cheers
Gregg
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Joining now is our new 1982 diesel. This is an ongoing project under construction.

[sphet]

I've got one of those wires hanging down in my engine bay as well. I have always assumed it is the coolant level sensor because my PO replaced the NLA expansion tank with a custom made welded aluminum tank which had no opening for the sensor plug, unlike the one from RMW.

I'm going to photograph it and my alternator wiring tomorrow because I am starting to think there is something hinky about *my* setup and with plans to add a second battery I need to get that all sorted out.
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1982 Diesel Westfalia 1.6 NA - The Shellakabuukiee

[crazyvwvanman]

That 2 pin connector isn't used in 82 diesel vans. It was intended for a coolant level sensor but VW didn't complete the design until 83 vans. You must modify the 82 wiring slightly if you wish to make use of it with a later coolant tank that has the sensor.

Mark

[phishfud]

I kinda figured that plug was for coolant. I still have just the one red wire which seems to mix in the harness by the firewall relay. After searching around, It looks like the red wire I have goes to one B+ terminal, then I need to run a second red wire direct to the battery for the second B+ terminal. The only blue unconnected wire I saw anywhere was coming out of the passenger tail light harness. I appreciate all the insight here folks.
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75 Westy
76 Westy
82 Westy Diesel
02 GTI
Multiple musclecar projects

..aint toys fun ???

[crazyvwvanman]

In 82 diesels there is a red wire from the battery + to the fuse/relay holder on the firewall. That is the critical red power wire that continues on to the dash and powers everything. The stock diesel alternator has a 3 pin connector, 2 large pins and 1 small pin. The 2 large pins are main alternator power and both should be 12 gauge red wires going together to the battery + post.

There should be a very thin blue wire that attaches to the 3rd smaller pin of the alternator 3 pin connector. This is critical for alternator function and for warning the driver that a belt has failed or that the alternator isn't working.

If you don't have the special 3 pin connector that plugs into the alternator you should GET ONE. Here is an example, just extend the wires.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303964899182?hash=item46c5b8476e:g:EAMAAOSwxlJfbO2L

Mark

[phishfud]

[danfromsyr]

I learned back in my diesel days that you can buy/use the LARGE female spade terminals and use 2 12-10gauge wires from the ALt to the Battery.. keep them clean and neat zipties or quality electrical tape is your friend. they are UNFUSED and can wreak havoc if they are not crimped well or get chaffed or corroded

they are available at your local NAPA or FLAPS in a small blister pack.
3/8" female spade
https://www.repairconnector.com/375-wide-female-spade-vw-connector-12-10-awg-yellow-25-pack/

look up proper crimping tool & technique on rubetube.

I remove the plastic crimp insulator as it interferes with the tool getting a good crimp and use some dielectric grease and heat shrink tube to insulate the wire..
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[RolandD]

Thank you Crazyvw.... That is what I suspected. My original coolant tank did not have a level sensor.

Roland