weird electrical problem!

[macguyver]

My alternator went out last week. I had smelled a light electrical burn smell for a few days but never found the source. It was a very light smell and nothing ever quit working??? Anyway, when I checked the alternator I found it not charging and the wire post on the back melted. (the wire lug, not the 2 wire plug) I put anopther alternator on and it charged the battery and worked good for several days. Now I smell the odor again and my voltage guage is bouncing from 12- 15 volts pretty eratically. Any ideas? Good battery, good wiring, no accessory issues, etc...
Thanks,
Chris

[Bob Barry]

Is your ammeter still hooked up? Sounds like the symptoms when that wire toasts itself.

[ironroad29]

also if you have replaced the battery check and make sure it's not grounding out on the hood
just a thought ..

[Stuka]

Cant you just take your pocket knife, some duct tape, some spare wires then some....erm....wait...wrong MacGuyver :D

[PhilSine]

To begin with you have an ammeter (measures current) as opposed to a voltmeter (measures voltage). An ammeter is more desireable because it is an indicator to how much of a load is being put on your electrical system. If you have an intermittent ground or a faulty voltage regulator (either internal to the alternator or mounted on the passenger side fender) then this can cause your symptom. Usually when an external voltage regulator craps out the result is your system not recharging the battery. It is possible for it to break down and cause a ground but highly unlikely. For about $14 you can replace the regulator as a troubleshooting method. They usually last about 10-15 years but who knows when they may actually go (electronics are funny that way)

[macguyver]

Actually my ammeter didn't work so I installed a quality aftermarket volt meter. This way I can see my battery voltage (key on but not running) and if my alternator is charging (engine running).
So, if it is my regulator, does it "wear" out or just "quit"? My system is still showing a charge, it's just fluctuating.
STUKA-As far as the Macguyver thing goes .....
That's how I got the nickname in the first place! I Fixed a broken clutch cable on a church bus in the middle of the night on the way to Lake Powell with a roll of duct tape and my pocketknife. The bus driver called me Macguyver and it's stuck ever since!
IRONROAD29- checked the hood battey thing, it's ok. Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks,
Chris

[ June 10, 2002, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: macguyver ]