Wire size in ’57 Lark external harness?

[mas]

The larger Red/Black are 4 gauge…but what size are the smaller yellow/blue/black/red? It looks like 12 gauge…but it might be 14 gauge??

Thank you,

Mas

[frankr]

Don’t know the answer, but just going by the current requirements, the only one carrying a high current is the Yellow (generator wire). It probably is 10 or 12 GA. Next would be the red choke wire 14 or 16 GA. The rest of them are low current and 16 or 18 can handle it.

[mas]

All the secondary wires appear to be the same. The insulation measures 1/8 inch. I’m guessing 12 then?

Mas

[mas]

The writing diagram for ’57 only lists the values for the larger wires and does not specify size of the smaller.

[frankr]

Let’s just say there is no harm in having them too big, other than physical space requirements. I am surprised that the Yellow isn’t larger than the rest though, since it carries 10 Amps. Certainly no need for the rest of them to have 10 Amp capabilities.

EDIT: I just looked it up. 16GA is good for 10 Amps up to 20 ft. max. So maybe it really doesn’t have to be as heavy as I think.

EDIT EDIT: Here ya go, this is newer motor but electrical loads are similar

upload photos

[mas]

Great…Thank you Frank!

It looks like the wires were tinned…is it a big issue to replace with non-tinned primary wire??

Also, after closer inspection, I do have (as described in your diagram) a mix of 14 and 16 gauge wire. It was just very hard to determine that without suspecting wire size differences.

Mas

[frankr]

Tinned wire is less subject to corrosion and easier to solder. The corrosion issue is why it is preferred for marine use. But it will corrode too, if exposed to water, especially salt water.

[mas]

OK Thanks Frank.

I’m going with tinned wires! Not that the motor will see salt, but better & original.

Mas

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