Question Dear James,
94 Ford Escort w/1.9 liter
I removed my alternator to gain access to replace my timing belt. The alternator had been removed and reinstalled sveveral times before and always worked properly. This time it is loading the engine down so far that it dies. When I disconnect the big, red output wire (with the engine running) I get a big spark as if it is drawing a huge amount OR somehow
shorted to ground. The other connections (3 wire multi-connector & 1 small spade connector) are in place and I am holding the large red output wire.
Touch it to the terminal and Big Spark and the engine slows way down. The battery is already charged so I don't think this is the DRAIN. Whud'ya think?
thanx,
James
AnswerIt's good practice not to plug or unplug stuff with the car running.Take the alternator off and down to the parts store to have it bench tested.
...Didn't mean to sound vague earlier.You're electrical system requires almost 13 volts to run.12 of those volts do come from the battery.The other 1-2 volts need to come from the alternator.When you plug and unplug the alternator socket during operation it sends spikes of voltage throughout you're ignition system.We have no way of knowing you're financial condition,or if the car is the only one that you happen to own.We simply provide a low cost service,in which I volunteer,to try and help people.It doesn't help when people you try and help lash out and "bite."
On the other hand,you have one of three problems occurring in you're case.You either have a bad voltage regulator, or a problem in the battery, or both.I know you are probably saying that how can it be a bad battery if when I disconnect the alternator with the car running,and the car stays running,how can the battery possibly be bad?Well it could.I was simply trying to save you a little bit of money by directing you to a place that can test you're parts for free,which most people don't know.
