Help! Alternator Wire at Battery is Burning
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Brandon FL
Help! Alternator Wire at Battery is Burning
The alternator wire running to the battery on my 80 is burning. I replaced the alternator thinking the voltage regulator may have been shorted, but the problem still exists. Both wires (I assume one goes to the starter) are charred roughly 1 1/2 inches from their terminal point on the side of the battery compartment. According to my Hanes manual, I may have a bad cell within the battery. I've checked it for voltage and it reads fine, however I haven't taken it in to have it checked. By-the-way the wire is not nearly as hot at the alternator. One other thing, following the install of the new alternator, I forgot (oops!) to attach one of the black wires. I realized this during the 25 miles to my house. Could this have duplicated my problem? I haven't driven her since I re-attached the black wire. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to burn her up. :cry
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 486
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From: Point Pleasant NJ
Re: Help! Alternator Wire at Battery is Burning (Tonwoo28)
First suggestion: Get a fire extinguisher! ... hehe
Are you sure that this wire isnt grounding itself out on something and melting down?
Second suggestion:
I would remove the battery and check its levels. Just because it reads cool doesnt mean it is cool. Especially under load.
Question: What have you done with the wires as far as addressing thier current state. I would if I were in your position most likely look into some high quality replacements. As opposed to splicing the current stuff or god forbid just wrapping it in 30 layers of electrical tape, or bubba style with duct tape. If you dont replace it you may want to check the resistance from end to end before you get done.
And if all this sucks from me... TTT... I can atleast move you back up to the top.
Spook
:reddevil
Are you sure that this wire isnt grounding itself out on something and melting down?
Second suggestion:
I would remove the battery and check its levels. Just because it reads cool doesnt mean it is cool. Especially under load.
Question: What have you done with the wires as far as addressing thier current state. I would if I were in your position most likely look into some high quality replacements. As opposed to splicing the current stuff or god forbid just wrapping it in 30 layers of electrical tape, or bubba style with duct tape. If you dont replace it you may want to check the resistance from end to end before you get done.
And if all this sucks from me... TTT... I can atleast move you back up to the top.
Spook
:reddevil
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From: Brandon FL
Re: Help! Alternator Wire at Battery is Burning (Spook)
I'm not sure is the wire is shorted or not. When I get home tonight I'll be checking. I checke the archives and found the routing of the wire. It doesn't seem as though it will be easy to replace. However, I intend to replace it just the same. If I get off at a decent time, I'll have the battery checked. It just seems odd for the wire to only get hot at one end.
