What's this extra wire on the alternator?

[fly_25]

Hey everyone, I've seen wiring diagrams with only 2 wires connected to the stud on the rear, my alternator has a third wire with a fusible link, what is it for? Thanks! This is on a V6 car, my v8 alternator only has the 2 wires. I have included pics of both the V8 and V6 wiring

 

[Kelvin's80442]

Might me running back to the battery or battery post on the starter

 

[Bonnewagon]

Someone has been fooling around with that wiring. This is what it is suppose to look like. The red wire taking a shortcut from the connector to the battery cable stud is a shadetree way of connecting to the main hot wiring of the car. Splice 201 is what is needed. Trace that third wire and see what they rigged it up to for power.

 

[airboatgreg]

The fuselink is odd but not unheard of. The link protects the wire that goes to the positive terminal on the starter. I don't have any heat burn with it but get rid of the scotch lock.

 

[fly_25]

Okay so I traced it to a newish looking relay which connects to a temp sensor near the water neck and the carb Air heater for the dualjet 210, I guess this is a V6 specific thing. Thanks guys!