Terminal Block?

[Shark49]

I tore out all of the old wiring and trying to organize the new harness I purchased from Walcks and in the directions it speaks of a terminal block in the engine compartment.  I have looked through a dozen photos of engine bays but none clearly show how it is supposed to look.  What exactly is its purpose? Is it for the lights?  Do I need a 6 post or 3 post?

I was thinking about just buying a marine grade terminal from a marina because the original one looks like it could easily degrade. 

Can someone show me a photo of what they have?

[Rus Curtis]

Shark,
The wire terminals connect to the junction block on the driver's fender.  Your wiring diagram will show this.

From Wade's '55 3b on the CJ3B Page


It allows you to set up your headlights and also your parking lights so they work together.  The correct one is 3 post.

[Chuck W.]

It also gives you an easy way to disconnect the wires if you need to remove the grill.
Walck's has an excellent reproduction of the 3-terminal junction block. I used one on my 3B and was very happy with it.
https://walcks4wd.com/left-front-fender-terminal-or-junction-block-1945-71_p_424.html

[Shark49]

OK I understand now.  Thanks!

On another note.  I noticed that my voltage regulator is not stock and pretty beat up.  Is there one people recommend besides what is sold at KW and Walks?  Those are really pricey.

[Chuck W.]

Here's one on e-bay that should work just fine: https://www.ebay.com/itm/334352145340?hash=item4dd8f0dbbc:g:YbQAAOSwlNFiImFM

[Shark49]

I purchased that regulator.  Now what is the correct wiring sequence for this and a 3 wire alternator and a solenoid?

[Rus Curtis]

I think it would be smart and safe to verify what type alternator you have and match it with the correct regulator.  I'm not saying the one you bought won't work but  I would want to know.

I googled "how to identify a 3-wire alternator" and interestingly enough, some have an internal regulator. 

Also, since your jeep has some non-stock components, it may be helpful to take notes on what type components you have, like this alternator, etc. so you know what to ask for when getting replacement parts. 

[Shark49]

this is my 3-wire alternator.  pretty rough lol.  I was trying to avoid getting one because it does charge but after looking at it and spinning it by hand its on its last legs.  Can anyone recommend a good alternator that won't break the bank?  I have spent more on the jeep than I originally hoped and gonna need to take out a second mortgage lol!

[Rus Curtis]

I would like to offer a different path that "should" be cheaper.

Do a search in your area for "alternator/starter rebuild service" to see if you have a business within driving distance.  I've been paying to rebuild my gens/starters (and yes, more modern alternators) for one simple reason:  What you took off already fits - no need to guess or fiddle with the mounting (there was this one Subaru that listed a replacement alternator at several hundred dollars - I got it rebuilt for $70).  The plus side is (again, guessing here) that alternator may have an internal regulator.  You did say it was charging, so.....

Bearings, diodes/stators (all those internal parts) can be replaced and your alternator put back into top performance i.e. "New".  If not rebuildable they can advise you on what it came out of.  Also, most parts stores can identify it as well, i.e. GM, Ford, etc and get you an exact replacement - still sticking to the, "It already fits," mindset.


ADDED (14 Mar 22):  I had to come back to this after thinking on it more.  I made some more assumptions without really knowing.  That can be bad when offering opinions as "advice." 

Original 4 cyl jeep engines were designed for generator installation from the factory.  Eventually, technology advanced and alternators were installed.  To retrofit an alternator into an older engine meant making changes to the mount and to the wiring.  Starting with the article on the CJ3B Page: 

https://cj3b.info/Alternator.html

Most of this is covered.  There are multiple options on mounts and multiple alternator versions available too.

So, Shark49 back to your dilemma.  Does your alternator fit well enough to do its job?  Are there upgrades to its mount that would make it better?  Are you comfortable with a 3-wire or would you prefer a 1-wire?  Internal regulator or external regulator?  Fix/repair or just flat out replace?

These kinds of questions are going to depend on where you are and where you want to go.  I was determined to keep my generator vs. changing to an alternator so when I changed over to 12V, I had to source a 12V generator/regulator.  Members with alternators will need to jump in and offer their opinions.

What many suggest is to get the jeep running and drive it.  I can testify that if you choose to restore/rebuild, it can take a lot longer than you can imagine and cost more than you can budget for. 

Be careful when purchasing components until you can evaluate it belongs with where you want to go. 

[Chuck W.]

The voltage regulator that I recommended to you is for a generator. Your jeep has apparently been converted to an alternator and that changes everything.  You need to identify exactly what you have. I would recommend that you find a 10SI one-wire alternator and do away with the external regulator. This is an area where you need to know what you are going or get some help from someone who does, otherwise you could destroy your new harness.

[elawson]

 I have a hunch that you have an old Prestolite alternator.



I agree completely with Russ on getting it rebuilt. 

[elawson]

It looks like I can't edit an already posted message.

Don't be surprised if the rebuild shop folks can...from memory....recommend the proper regulator.