Smoke - NO GOOD

[jhorutz]

I reinstalled the battery on a 74 Midget that I had running a few months ago. When I turned the key I noticed smoke coming from the generator. any suggestions on where to start?

 

[jhorutz]

Let me expand a bit. I pulled the battery to charge it since it was dead. I reinstalled and acidentally crossed the +/- in my haste. when I connected the neg lead, it sparked so I stopped and realized my error. fixed the wiring and then attempted to start and then the smoke. how badly did I damage things? I am a relative novice at this.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Do you have a generator or an alternator?

 

[jhorutz]

I believe its an alternator. A large cylinder attached to the fan belt.

 

[DrEntropy]

eep!

It may be fried. Only way to be sure is to pull the alternator and have it tested: a local parts store should be able to do it. Chains like NAPA, Advance, Auto Zone will do it for free genrally.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

A '74 should have an Alternator. I just wanted to be sure so we didn't have to talk about a control box.

Maybe a fried diode?

 

[DrEntropy]

Highly likely. Bridge is internal. Hooking it up bas-ackwards would cook the bridge first, most likely.

 

[jhorutz]

If fried.....what's involved to repair is it a strict replacement and bolt on?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Most big box autostores can have you a direct replacement within a day for about $50-75 ... maybe less. I think they come complete with a fan/pulley, but if not they'll help you swap it when you take your old one in for a core.

 

[jhorutz]

Sorry to ask such a simple question, but do just un-bolt the old one and bolt the new one on? Do I need to worry about any timing issues or such by removing the belt?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Nope. Unbolt. Remove. Take to AutoZone type store for testing. Order a new one if needed. And refit. You can then come back here and ask advice on how tight the belt should be.

 

[DrEntropy]

Nope. Belt tension is your only 'adjustment'. Be gentle when removing the wires from the rear, as age can make 'em 'frail'. And be sure the battery is disconnected when doing the work. Good time to check/replace the belt too! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[jlaird]

Just bolt it in and hook it up.

 

[bugimike]

The belt should be just snug enough that you can delect it about 1/2"-3/4" when pushing it hard between pulleys.

 

[bugimike]

The belt should be just snug enough that you can delect it about 1/2"-3/4" when pushing it between pulleys.

 

[jhorutz]

Thanks will get to it this week and will let you know how it goees. Thanks for all the help and advice.

 

[jhorutz]

Just wanted to follow-up on the alternator. got a remanufactured one from Advanced Autoparts store for $70. Bolted right in, no problems. they even tested the old one and it had a bad diode as Trevor said. Thanks for all the help.