Fresh off a successful timing belt change, thanks to the Bentley Book, the FAQ and archives, I was adding oil and let a drip fall down in the engine, apparently hitting the back of the alternator. There's a little sizzle and some smoke, but the car still runs, 'cept the alt light is now on when the key is off.

Further archives search makes me think I fried a diode and need a new alternator. I pulled the ground cable to turn off the light and will reconnect to drive it, but we NEED this car right now. The wife just wrecked the minivan and I was scrambling to get the timing belt done so we have a car to get the kid to school.

So, am I still charging or just running off the battery? Compared to the timing belt and tensioner, this LOOKS like an easy job, replace the alternator. Any sage advice to doing it right and quick?

Water pump is next on the list. Leaks, but not too bad.

thanks

Michael(nicknaylo)