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Grandson Ben is driving the Yellow Peril and it seems to be running OK with
the new fan hub and the new old radiator (with help from S_R_C).
But it has had an unusual electrical problem wherein with seemingly no warning
the big wire from the alternator (Bosch, OEM type) to the main power junction
(which goes to the positive pole on the battery) somehow suffers a massive
current overload, melting the insulation, making a lot of smoke, and if not
tended to quickly enough, running down the battery. Since this first happened
we have replaced the voltage regulator. This alternator has once been grounded
by the strut that supports the FI intake manifold, but seems to put out about
14 volts and works OK otherwise since then. This overload has happened on about
4 different occasions, as best I can tell not long after startup. We have
replaced the wire several times and checked things out and everything then seems
to be OK. It does not seem to be related to mechanical or thermal damage to
the wire (like chafing or cutting the insulation, or getting against a hot
exhaust). My best guess is that somehow the + terminal of the alternator
occasionally becomes shorted to ground. I have considered making a minor change
to the wiring, perhaps putting in a big fuse or maybe even a diode because I am
pretty sure the alternator doesn't put out enough current to fry the wire but
the battery does, so if I could prevent the current from flowing back TO the
alternator, maybe the system could take these glitches in stride.
No, I'm not planning (at least not yet,) to replace the alternator. I will do
that if there's no other choice but it seems to be charging the battery very
well MOST of the time.
Any of you guys got a better grip on the workings of alternator systems and
potential glitches than I have? Your contribution to the joint knowledge
base will be greatly appreciated!
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!
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