pulled into work today and when i got out, i smelled something burning. popped the hood, nothing. so i started it back up, let it run for a second and shut it off after the stereo cut off and i started seeing smoke coming out of the engine bay. went to see what was smoking...flames about 5 inches tall coming off the alternator. got it put out, nothing was damaged (protective covering for a harness melted a litte, wires are fine.) down to the point, i've never heard of or seen an alternator catch on fire before. anybody ever had this problem before??? i want to make sure everything is cool before i put the new one in.

 

anybody?? i checked all the grounds, all are good. i guess just bad luck? or is there some other **** i should check first?

 

Voltage regulator is built into the alternator I believe. If it caught on fire maybe that's what blew up and you'll need a new alternator

 

yeah, i went and picked up a new one today, i just don't want that one catching on fire if something else is messed up.

 

check and make sure (I don't know how it would happen) that the charge wire isn't grounded. Probably isn't though. Just put the new one on it should be ok. Weird **** happens sometimes. Even if you blow up the new one can't you take it back for exchange?

 

i think so...if not...****.

 

check to see if your leaking any fuel from the fuel rail, or the reg, or anywhere.
Cause if you are then it could be driping on the alt causeing a fire