1800: HELP ON GENERATOR GROUND CONNECTION on 1964 1800S

[scorpius666]

Hi;
I have been re-wiring and/or re-conecting some of the connections in the engine compartment and believe the previous owner mis-connected the generator ground connection.

When he sold the car to me he said the generator was brand new but not working as the light would remain on all the time , I looked at the connections after I bought it and noticed the wire that went to the ground was overheated and melted and as he put the generator in himself I believe he connected the wrong wire there.

He connected a thin black wire to the ground on the generator body which had overheated and melted , however, I noticed hidden near some wires on the inner fender wall was a very thick black wire dangling loose that had the proper loop connector and the exact lenth to reach the generator that was connected on the other end to the fender so it was a ground wire.

I believe this is the correct wire for the generator ground but before I connect it to the generator I want to ask can someone with a 1964 1800S or similar year 1800S with a generator have a look to see if the ground connection on their car going to the generator is also connected on the other end on the inner fender??


Thank you in advance for your time and help

Anton

1964 Volvo 1800S White Color
1956 BMW Isetta Bubble Window Deluxe Black Color
1956 BMW Isetta Bubble Window Standard Blue Color

[Ron Kwas]

Anton;

According to the 1800 wiring diagram (http://www.sw-em.com/1800%20Wiring%20Diagram.jpg) there is a heavy black wire indicated as the ground conductor between generator and vehicle chassis. This wire is a heavy gauge to handle the possible 30A output of the gen. A smaller gauge wire would certainly fuse open under such a current. Just to be sure, temporarilly connect a current meter in this conductor and measure current magnitude under various running conditions...expect to see maximum (up to 30A) right after starting, and current magnitudes dependent on what loads you have turned ON under normal running conditions. Report back with any anomolies.

As a general rule, you can trust and go by the color codes indicated on that wiring diagram.

Cheers from Connecticut!

[JP 1800]

Here are some pictures from an 65 1800S, the wiring should be the same, I hope this helps





JP

[scorpius666]

Ron - Thank you again for your reply and at present I can only do static tests as I have the car battery removed due to many wires still being disconnected.

I checked the wiring diagram and colors as well so that may be the black wire I need to connect.

I just want to make sure though by asking if anyone with a similar car can have a look on their 1800S to see if the wire that connects to the ground terminal of the generator body also connects on the other end to the inner fender wall..

[scorpius666]

JP1800 - Thank you also for your reply and the fantastic pictures as well.

The black wire connected to your generator ground looks the same as the one I have dangling loose that connects to my inner fender.

Does the black wire that connects to the ground terminal of the generator body on your car connect on the other end to the inner fender wall?

If it goes into a wiring harness and is too difficult to trace its other side , do you see a thick black wire connected on your fender wall as my car has (near the generator)and if so where does that lead

It would not be that long of a wire as mine has just the distance to reach the generator hence my suspicion that it is the correct wire for the ground connection.