Alternator wire clip? (1965 B40F)

[Phil C]

Hello everyone,  This morning I've taken the primary chaincase cover off my 1965 B40F with a view to sorting out a leak, which I think might be coming from the alternator wire grommet. I noticed some kind of clip, maybe a spring clip?, with a washer on it.  Seemed pretty loose. I was just wondering, what is it? What does it do?  Any advice would be much appreciated. Two photos (not great, sorry)attached: one just to show where it is, the other a close up of the clip with the washer on it.  Thanks very much.    Phil.

[Phil C]

Anyone?

[chaz]

job to see from pics and as our B40 is in bits can only guess its to hold generator wire in place so as it does not rub through on chain

[Rupert]

Hi, the clip has come loose. It should clamp on the cable sleeve near its end and pull it tight against the alternator laminations. The ends of the clip are spread outwards on the other side of the hole it comes through to keep it in position.
Your alternator stator is also positioned incorrectly. As it is the cable is in danger of touching the chain.
Correct fitting is to flip it over and put it on the studs so the cable comes away on the outside of the stator at 5-past and then loop it up and over, back through the casing hole.
Rupert.

[Phil C]

Rupert explains in his post that the clip has come loose. So it should be fixed to the stator? How is it fixed and where exactly? Is it important? Phil

[Rupert]

The clip is similar to a split pin but with an oversize hole through the head which is a tight fit on the alternator cable sleeving when closed around it..
To fit the clip, pinch it around the alternator cable then slip a washer onto it, 1/4" usually or so. Poke the legs of the clip through the spare hole in the stator which is at 1 o'clock when the stator is fitted.
Put a screwdriver blade or similar into the hole in the stator from behind and spread the legs of the clip inside the hole.
With the head of the clip and cable pulled tight against the alternator use pliers to bend the ends of the legs outward and squeeze them flat against the back of the laminations.
The clip is rarely fully tight on the alternator but so long as the cable is anchored by it and the clip can't come adrift it will do.
Rupert.

[Phil C]

Thanks very much Rupert.   Phil