How to Wire a Datsun 720 Alternator

by James Stevens

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Datsun was the brand name of a range of vehicles manufactured by the Nissan Motor Company, though the company replaced the Datsun name in 1986. The Datsun 720 was a small-sized pick-up truck that was produced during the 1970s and 1980s. Because this vehicle's engine is simpler than those in today's vehicles, wiring a Datsun 720 alternator is a relatively easy process.

Step 1

Put on protective lightweight gloves before you attempt wiring your Datsun 720 alternator. You're going to get your hands dirty, and you need to uncouple the battery cables.

Step 2

Lift up the hood of your Datsun 720 and secure it. Remove the black negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal using a wrench. The negative terminal is marked "-" or "Neg." Always remove the negative cable first so you isolate the electrical supply from the car. Remove the red positive battery cable from the positive battery terminal. It's marked "+" or "Pos." Ensure you move the cables away from the battery so they don't accidentally touch it.

Step 3

Locate the alternator. It's simple to find in a Datsun 720. It is cylindrical shaped, made of aluminum and has vents on the side. A belt goes around a pulley at the front of the alternator.

Step 4

Find three colored cables near the alternator. One is a thick red cable with an eyelet on the end; the other end goes to the battery. The second cable is black with an eyelet on the end and is the ground. The third is a smaller wire, usually blue or green, but the colors may vary. This has a push-in plastic plug on the end. The opposite end goes to the voltage regulator and onto the ignition and dashboard warning light systems.

Step 5

Locate the three terminals on the alternator. One is marked "B" or "Bat," meaning battery. The red cable connects to this terminal. The second terminal is marked "-" or "Neg" or "F," meaning ground. The black wire connects to this terminal. The third terminal has a socket for the wire to plug into. It is usually marked "Ig," but this can vary. However it's the last wire so there's only one place it can connect so you can't get it wrong.

Step 6

Undo and remove the nut on the terminal marked "B" or "Bat" using a suitably-sized wrench. Place the eyelet on the end of the red cable over the exposed bolt, then replace the nut and tighten it using a wrench.

Step 7

Undo and remove the nut on the terminal marked "-" or "Neg" or "F" using a wrench. Place the eyelet on the end of the black cables over the bolt, then replace the nut and tighten it using a wrench.

Step 8

Push the plastic plug on the end of the third wire into the socket on the alternator. There's only one socket it will fit in.

Step 9

Reconnect the red positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal using a wrench. Reconnect the black negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal using a wrench.