My alternator died, and when pulling it tonight I noticed the rubber boot around the alternator power wire is cracked and the wire itself is split and looks slightly burned. Not good. Also, the loop for the power wire that connects to the alternator is severely corroded/burned looking and extremely flimsy.

What could cause this? Electrical short? I'd like to do some preventative stuff if possible, if not I'll just put it in and pray.

It's a JDM B16A in an '88 CRX Si.