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guts
New User
May 25, 2015, 1:06 PM
Post #1 of 9
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smoking alternator
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I hooked up a new 200amp alternator, in my 2004 eldorado bus. Big ass diesel ,cost 1200.00 i went to jump the bus and when i turned the ignition a puff of smoke came out of the alternator. Is it ruined??
If so is it a simple repair at a alternator shop?
I panicked instantly disconnected everything. the new alternator had a small panel with a plus and a minus terminal which the other did not have. I have a single orange wire coming from the bus and two large Hot cables which i hooked up to the rear posts orA/c. The new alternator has a side panel with a plus or minus which the old did not have im assuming the ground or minus of the to terminals. is where i should have hooked up the orange wire. Did i ruin anything else. Im dependent on this rig to work tomorrow and flat broke? please advise on both questions, thanks to all veterans
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 25, 2015, 1:24 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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? Sorry to say I don't know what this thing is - yet. OK - basics then, if you had to jump start it suggests batter(ies) were low or near dead and instantly any set up would go into full charge mode, 200AMP nothing to sneeze at either of course. It would likely get its alternator way too hot to touch and any grease if any burn right off??
Before you'll know much more I suggest charging up batteries with a charger and know it or they are any good too. Then perhaps try again and put a simple voltmeter at least on a battery and see if it's charging or running voltage is up into norms or not. Anything odd shut it down.
If windings of an alternator burned up IMO you are in trouble with alternator and probably can't just fix that one so easily. No bucks isn't going to help either of course.
Anything else showing that it's stressed out from apparently charging too hard too fast? wire insulation showing troubles or more?
T
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guts
New User
May 25, 2015, 1:45 PM
Post #3 of 9
(3187 views)
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Re: smoking alternator
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tom thanks im stressed, out. so to be clear, yes the batterys were dead i needed a new alternator, im just freaking out because i dropped 1200.00 on it. Im charging the batterys, is it possible i fried up the new aternator in a few seconds without the bus running?? the housing was very hot to the touch?
Im taking it to the alternator repair shop tomorrow, will it have to be rebuilt? or maybe im in the clear?
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guts
New User
May 25, 2015, 1:47 PM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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Also yes it was smoking hot in seconds did i freak out for nothing and pull the alternator for no good reason, smoke isnt natural
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guts
New User
May 25, 2015, 2:01 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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thanks as I know you donate your time. ill figure it out tomorrow
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 25, 2015, 2:27 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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Sure sounds like something was wired wrong and cooked something in the alternator.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 25, 2015, 5:50 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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? guts: Is this a NEW alternator that put out some smoke? That alone could just be that it was new and working hard if not for too long maybe no harm. New could have had light oils or paint to make it look pretty if rebuilt or new. Alternators do get warm working normally just not usually so hot they damage anything.
What was wrong with old alternator and how determined it was at fault and not just dead/low batteries? The two go hand in hand and need each other to both be good at the same time. It seems wrong but batteries (if more than one) are really only to start the vehicle and the alternator to quickly put back what it took out to start it then items are really running off the alternator with batteries taking up surges and can be used without engine running for so long but not meant to run way too low and ones expected to are a different type and charged by chargers not from any alternator.
So you might be OK - right? In general when regular battery/alternator set ups need a "jump start" they really should not be run long but rather just moved to where you can charge batteries with a separate charger. It's not always possible - road calls for vehicles that something was left on and so on there's no place or time and it is taking a gamble on harm.
Hope you've had time and lucked out and can finish charging as mentioned. It still should all be checked in proper working order and if this vehicle is left for long periods leave it on an automatic charger would save these problems,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 26, 2015, 3:37 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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I agree with HT that there is a possibility it could be wired wrong. What happened to the original alternator? Not a good thing to have a brand new alternator having to charge dead batteries. You should make sure your batteries are good and fully charged before putting your new alternator into service.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 26, 2015, 6:27 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: smoking alternator
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Is this alternator gold plated. $1200 is a lot of money, even for 200 amps
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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