new altenator cuaght fire today

93calcobra · 03-21-2003, 01:23 PM

i put a new altenator 75amp Kragen brand in my fox yesterday so i get in it to drive it today and after about 10 mins. i noticed smoke coming from the back of the car and noticed the voltage dropping pop the hood and theres a small flame from the altenator could anyone tell me why this happened and how to prevent it in the future
thanks

Nixon1 · 03-21-2003, 01:50 PM

Maybe the alternator somehow got grounded out internally and shorted itself out... I couldn't imagine a voltage regulator blowing so dramatically but maybe that too..I dunno..that's pretty weird! You sure you wired it right???

93calcobra · 03-21-2003, 02:04 PM

yep sure i wired it right, and does anyone know if gel cell batteries go bad?

RDMumfts Stang · 03-21-2003, 08:42 PM

When I replaced an alternator for a friend on their '90GT, I was given a new harness for it. The guy at the counter made sure we read the warning about not replacing the original wiring because they short out and catch fire!... unfortunately, her battery went out the next year and when it was changed, the alternator caught fire. For being a common problem, I wonder why it isn't common knowledge.

03-21-2003, 01:23 PM	#1
93calcobra Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: sacramento california Posts: 97	new altenator cuaght fire today i put a new altenator 75amp Kragen brand in my fox yesterday so i get in it to drive it today and after about 10 mins. i noticed smoke coming from the back of the car and noticed the voltage dropping pop the hood and theres a small flame from the altenator could anyone tell me why this happened and how to prevent it in the future thanks __________________ 1993 red cobra 1999 ford lightning 1999 bmw 3m 2003 lincoln ls Last edited by 93calcobra; 03-21-2003 at 01:40 PM..

03-21-2003, 01:50 PM	#2
Nixon1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 432	Maybe the alternator somehow got grounded out internally and shorted itself out... I couldn't imagine a voltage regulator blowing so dramatically but maybe that too..I dunno..that's pretty weird! You sure you wired it right??? __________________ '91 Mustang GT 5.0 AOD Daily Driver Current stats: NEW 302 short block, E-303 cam (@.050, 220/220, .498/.498, 110 degrees), 1.6 roller rockers, Performer RPM heads (aluminum, 1.9/1.6, 60cc chambers), Cobra intake, Granatelli 75mm MAF, Billet AFPR, Equal-Length Shorty Headers, Off-Road X Pipe, Flowmasters, 4.10 POSI 13.73 at 103.8, ~2.2 60'

03-21-2003, 02:04 PM	#3
93calcobra Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: sacramento california Posts: 97	yep sure i wired it right, and does anyone know if gel cell batteries go bad? __________________ 1993 red cobra 1999 ford lightning 1999 bmw 3m 2003 lincoln ls

03-21-2003, 08:42 PM	#4
RDMumfts Stang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 53	When I replaced an alternator for a friend on their '90GT, I was given a new harness for it. The guy at the counter made sure we read the warning about not replacing the original wiring because they short out and catch fire!... unfortunately, her battery went out the next year and when it was changed, the alternator caught fire. For being a common problem, I wonder why it isn't common knowledge. __________________ Most recent project: installed new HD T-5 w/Pro 5.0 Shifter, LUK Clutch, Prothane Engine and Trans mounts. Currently breaking in clutch. Next: complete tune-up

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