Update for me as well.....
Two days after I posted here I started seeing the gauges start going crazy (as others reported in other threads too with the battery light and/or ABS light) So, The alternator has been replaced and the issue is resolved. Sort of.
Looks like I have a valve cover gasket leak left front side that eventually is falling onto the alternator. Which would explain if it shorted the windings.
But as you know, it takes removal of the intake manifold to replace the valve cover gaskets. And with 295,000 miles, (I bought it new in 1996
) i'm just going to let it slide for now.
