Yes on the early versions of the alternator wiring the full alternator
charging current goes over those 2 parallel 14 gauge wires to the wiring
box post and then on a single 10 gauge wire to the starter where it
switches to the 2 gauge starting wire from there to the battery. For any
83-early 86 waterboxer I would always just copy what VW did on the last
Vanagons, adding an 8 gauge wire straight from the alternator to the
starter, leaving the other wires in place. Even the improved late 86-87
wiring can benefit from this.

Bentley wiring page 97.122 shows the later setup clearly, a single
10.0mm (8awg) wire straight from the alternator to the starter, and then
the massive 70.0mm starter-battery cable. Page 97.62 shows the weaker
1.9 version most clearly.

Mark

Michael Diehr wrote:
> ...............
>
> Anyone know if the existing "6.0" wire from the junction to the
> starter is indeed what feeds the entire system?  Eyeballing it it
> looks like about an 8 gauge as well.
>
> I would also echo mark's recommendation that 85 and earlier owners
> check the junction box -- it just takes a minute, no tools required.
............................