So I've got this odd problem. My alternator seems to like to burn off the main supply wire (the white one attached to the threaded stud). This is a new problem, its only been in the last week or so. The wire gets pretty hot, and its already burned off most of the insulation on the wire I just put on.

Application is a 5MGE and its alternator, attached to an 87 4x4 wiring harness. Its run fine for the last 6 months. Both alternators are/were internally regulated and I wired the terminals so that the codes printed in the respective schematics lined up.

The charge light does NOT come on when its running, and the battery voltage is around 12.3-12.5 volts at idle (probably part of the problem).

I'm thinking that the alternator may be fried, thoughts anyone?

 

bump

 

Nobody has any input? i know there are some knowlegable yota techers out there, speak up ahah, my brain hurts to much to figure this out.

 

Nobody?

 

Find out what the voltage is at about 2000 RPM. With no accessories or lights running, the alternator should still be pushing 13 to 14 volts to the battery. If it isn't, then there is definitely a problem. Another test to do is to find out if the alt is putting out any AC voltage. Very low AC voltage (1 volt or less) is usually acceptable. Any more says you have bad diodes.

 

Taking the altenator to a parts store to have it checked for operation would be a start. If the altenator isnt the problem, check all wires in the area of the charging lead. look for any part of a bare wire or rub through...