The main starter power cable comes from the battery, a very thick black
cable. It attaches to the threaded wiring stud on the starter. Then a
red wire connects from the same starter stud back to the alternator stud.

So when the engine isn't running power comes from the battery to the
starter to the alternator. Once the engine is running the power flows
back the other way over the same wires. Alternator to starter to battery.

There is another red wire from the same alternator wiring stud that
connects to the fuel injection power stud in the engine compartment
wiring box. If the battery power isn't reaching the starter and the
alternator it also won't be getting to the fuel injection.

Mark

Steven Mills wrote:
> I just reinstalled a 2.1 in my 87 Vanagon. The problem I am experiencing is I have no voltage to the alternator, subsequently on to the starter. The solenoid clicks with the ignition switch, but no starter crank. Pulled starter and it benched okay. Brand new battery and as I read the wiring diagram, the red lead that goes to the alternator should be hot all the time. That is not the case. Have double checked all grounds and cannot seem to find any problem there as to the connections. Any ideas out there?
>
>
>