Very frustrating Alternator problem

[venomous]

Well my stock alternator took a dump. So off to advance i go and buy a rebuilt Palladium alternator along with a brand new optima red top. I swapped ALT. pulleys since the pulley that came with the other alternators were larger and I was afraid (since I have boost) I would change my tune. After installing, I realize that my battery gauge was still really low. So I drive back to advance and turns out that I burnt up the alternator and killed the optima battery. So they get me new of each and prob 30 mins later the new alternator fried again. So now I have a brand new powermaster (chrome) on the way. So why do I keep frying the alternators? I really need to get this figured out before I put in the powermaster. Thanks and God Bless. Andrew

[cablernc]

I've heard of this problem and if I recall it has something to do with the pulleys?

[venomous]

Well, its at the dealership right now. They told me that they think its the 3 wire plug that goes into the back of the alternator. They also said that they though it was the alternator? I have went through 3 alternators so I know it can't be the new one. It was even tested before going on the car. We'll find out today though...hopefully.

[Aaron94]

Where was the gauge reading?

Mine will read nice and high when I first start the car, and pretty much straight up when cruising, but when idling it reads way down by the N or O in normal. I have underdrive pullies, so I attribute it to that. What amperage is your powermaster that you have on the way? I am thinking the fix might be a heavy duty alternator, 210 amps... I hardly ever drive my cobra anymore though, so I have not gotten around to buying a new alternator to test it, let alone justify the expense...

Keep us posted on the issue...........

[InfamousSVT]

Had the same problem once before, did you check all your fuses? You may have blown a fuse and that's what is causing the alternator to get fried.

Let us know how it works out.

[venomous]

I broke down and took my car to the dealership. It took 3.5 straight hours for them to figure out the problem. It turned out to be the 3 wire plug that plugged into the back of the alternator. It had become corroded and what not. Also, they said that I had a bad ground. So they replaced the plug and relocated the ground. Problem fixed. total cost -1 hour labor (I have a friend :D ) $176.56 :eek:

[swhiteh3]

This was a VERY common problem on Fox-body cars. The wires were undersized to start with, and cars that had lots of current draw (large stereos, etc) were even more prone to the problem. Keep a close eye on that connector, and keep it clean.