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melted alternator ground wire

3K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  peva 
#1 ·
The alternator stopped charging. I removed the alternator and found the ground strap melted, and broken. I had the alternator tested, and it tests fine. What would cause the ground wire to melt? I am assuming that the wire may have become corroded and became to weak to handle the amperage. I want to make sure this was the cause before I put it back together.
 
#3 ·
but somehow case is shorting to ground through the strap?
That's what the earthing strap is for, to connect the case to ground. Check the earth strap connections both ends. Resistance in these can generate heat. It's just possible a diode may have failed in the alt. although it's still charging, and causing current drain through the alt when it not running. Put a meter between alt and ground to check for absence of current, ignition off.
 
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