crispy wires = alternator fire
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 390
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From: South East Alabama
crispy wires = alternator fire
I had heard of Ford alternators catching fire and thought it was something internal to the alt. A word of caution. I just had the alternator off my 96 4.9L and noticed the protective wire cover had melted and was as crispy and britle as a potatoe chip with wires exposed. There is a nut on the back of the air pump that holds the wires in place.
The problem is the location is really close to the exhuast manifold. I wrapped the wires with electrical tape, then removed bracket that secures them to the air pump. Then zip tied them along the air hose for the pump. This will keep them far from exhuast heat. Hope this keeps some truck safe.
Chris
The problem is the location is really close to the exhuast manifold. I wrapped the wires with electrical tape, then removed bracket that secures them to the air pump. Then zip tied them along the air hose for the pump. This will keep them far from exhuast heat. Hope this keeps some truck safe.
Chris
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
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crispy wires = alternator fire
Chris , You really need to do more than wrap the wires with electrical tape . Were the wires actually exposed ? Its really a good idea to replace the wires & the connecter going to the rectifier & regulator . You did the right thing getting the wires away from the exhaust , But if any bare wire was showing , replace it . Ive seen a lot of Ford trucks with the 300 that had the wiring way to close to the exhaust & either the plastic wire loom was melted or it had melted the wire insulation as well.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: South East Alabama
crispy wires = alternator fire
Paul: In my case, just the plastic protective sleeve had melted away. The insulation is still on the wires and in good condition. But in time would have melted also, causing major problems. Can't believe there wasn't a recall to relocate the wires.
Chris
Chris
