A few years ago I had my 24 volt alternator rebuilt. It really looked new. When I installed it on the boat it wouldn't work. I called the shop and the technician told me to just briefly touch the brown wire to the red wire and it would be OK. I did, and it's been working fine ever since. The only problem I have is I have to reve the engine up to 1500 rpm's briefly when I first start, it to excite it. John "Moon Dog" SM 248