I replaced my altenator some time ago and one of the wires ended up resting on the altenator and started frying the wire. I think it's the ground wire but i can't find my book to make sure. it's the wire that is not in the harness but it's conected to the post next to the harness. if it is the ground wire should i repair it or can i run a new ground to another part of the car?

 

Yes, you can replace wire, but make sure it's the same gauge and type.

Also, be damned sure it really is a ground or you'll be burning up a whole bunch more. I would think the alternator is grounded by it's case and mounting bolts and does not need a dedicated ground. "one of the wires ended up resting on the altenator and started frying the wire" means absolutely nothing to me. What part of the alternator??? The battery terminal part, a mounting bolt? Can you see where the wire starts and ends?

 

It is not a ground wire, it is the charge or alt. output lead, if your talking about post with red arrow...


If so it should run to the engine bay fuse box, but I am not sure about that, I do not have a wiring diagram for an 87. 94

 

Yes that Is the wire I'm talking about. The wire ended up laying on the alt and fryed part of it. If I use the same gage wire can I just cut off the bad part and add new wire to it?

 

Yes you can, however it would be much better to replace the complete lead, any connection point will be a point of resistance.

If you are just going to add wire, make sure the connection is a good one, solder and shrink tube the connection. 94

 

so i went to pick & pull and picked up another lead ( glad they don't care about how much mess i make there) put it in and the car is charging again. thanks for the info on what the wire was I would have assumed it was a ground and really messed some stuff up.