Alternator Ignition
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2000
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Alternator Ignition
My alternator shorted out today for some reason and caught fire. Has anyone heard of this/seen this before. The positive lead coming out of it was glowing orange and burnt all the insulation off it. Luckily some construction guys were nearby where I pulled over and gave me a fire extinguisher or I might have lost my F150....
- Nealio
- Nealio
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2000
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Alternator Ignition
I think the bearings went bad. I drove it home last night (after the fire - I know, not the smartest move, but I couldn't just leave it there) and by the time I got home (10 minutes) the Alternator was smoking again. The wiring harness had a complete meltdown, so I know its not shorting out (its disconnected), so I guess the bearings went bad and the heat from that fused something inside. Thanks for the reply..
- Nealio
= Aaron K. Neal - 1991 F150 4X4 4.9L I6 =
- Nealio
= Aaron K. Neal - 1991 F150 4X4 4.9L I6 =
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 931
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From: Stanton, Suffolk England
Alternator Ignition
I have heard of this a couple of times before. When you buy an alternator it should come with a new wiring harness plug for your truck. Give the Ford house a call I think there is a TSB out on it. Hope this helps.
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 903
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From: Banning CA
Alternator Ignition
Depending on which alt you have, if a diode shorted out this would happen. Normally there should be a fuseable link at the battery end of the wire, if not I highly suggest you install a fuseable link, this will prevent fires in these situations.
Dave
http://a2ztowing.homestead.com/a2ztowing.html
Dave
http://a2ztowing.homestead.com/a2ztowing.html
New User
Joined: Oct 2000
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Alternator Ignition
Nealio, Ferds have a problem with the plug (the one with the big wires) on the alternator catching on fire. The plug needs to be replaced when the alternator is changed, if not sooner...definitely something to keep your eye on. Rebuilt alternators will come with a plug, connectors, and heat shrinkable tubing for insulation. Problem is a completely crappy design.
hth
Steve in HMB
>My alternator shorted out today for
>some reason and caught fire.
> Has anyone heard of
>this/seen this before. The
>positive lead coming out of
>it was glowing orange and
>burnt all the insulation off
>it.
hth
Steve in HMB
>My alternator shorted out today for
>some reason and caught fire.
> Has anyone heard of
>this/seen this before. The
>positive lead coming out of
>it was glowing orange and
>burnt all the insulation off
>it.
