Wiring question

[Tin man]

My MF35 currently has a hodge-podge of repairs to its electrics and is in dire need of a complete re-wire. Trouble is, I have no idea which (if any) of these are the original gauge wires. It has an alternator conversion but everything else appears to be stock. Before I do something substandard, I would like to find the proper size wire for each application. Can someone tell me where I can find this information?

 

[old]

Almost all the wires on that can be 14 gauge or even 16 gauge. Only wire that has to be bigger is the charge wire from the alternator and it needs to be a 10 gauge wire That said when I rewire a tractor and I have done a good many I use 12 gauge for every thing but the charge wire

 

[David G]

Agreed

 

[Steve@Advance]

Gas or diesel?

If diesel, the battery cables need to be large, size 0.

Gas doesn't need to be anything special, typical auto supply cables will be fine.

The main feed from the alternator to the battery, weather it goes direct to the battery or through the amp gauge, needs to be 10ga.

If diesel, the wire to the starter solenoid S terminal needs to be 10 or 12ga.

All the other wiring can be 16ga.

Be sure to use low voltage automotive wire, not building wire. The automotive wire is finer strand, tolerates vibration better, forms easier without wanting to spring back or curl up.

I like to use the split plastic harness jacket. It's available at the auto supply in various sizes. Also soldering and heat shrinking the connections makes for a more trouble free and professional looking result.

Route the harness carefully. Keep it away from heat, pinch points, areas prone to being snagged by limbs, bailing wire, mud, etc. Leave yourself enough slack for easy removal of the dash assembly if ever needed.

If you use one hole straps to secure the harness, use steel straps. Anything plastic will soon fail, including zip ties.

 

[Mark-Ia]

www.wiringharnesses.com or www.brillman.com will provide you with a new harness.

 

[Tin man]

Thanks to all. I got it finished doing a "custom" job.....(not using the color coded wires shown in the diagrams).

 

[Tin man]

Does anyone have a source for the one hole wire guides made to hold a single (or two) wires? I can locate many that are intended for use with 1/8, 1/4, etc. inch (small) bolts and such, but none with the 1/2 inch bolt hole that I need. The old ones are bare metal.......I would prefer the rubberized versions if possible.