I noticed yesterday that my Alternator was hot while trying to crank my car. What is this a sign of? It's not normal is it.
Visit our community sponsor
I noticed yesterday that my Alternator was hot while trying to crank my car. What is this a sign of? It's not normal is it.
Dave
Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
Greenhorn and doing the best I can
My photos are at: My Flickr acct
Videos are at: YouTube Videos
Notwithstanding a wiring error a warm alternator when not running is typically indicative of a bad diode in the internal rectifier bridge.
Jeff
PS---Please disconnect the battery until you have corrected the problem.
So Jeff, you mention "not running", but would that also happen when the ignition is just turned on?
I have heard of certain older Ford alternators shorting internally, even when the car was parked, ignition off. There was a serious potential for a fire, if there was no fuse used.
If I have the ignition on without the engine running the alternator will get warm after a few minutes.