Alternator B+ Cable Meltdown

[4Yota]

Hello T4R family. Did a search for a post/thread on this situation but couldn't find any relational info so thanks in advance for your input.

I recently replaced my 3rd gen Denso alternator with a new factory replacement one. Upon finishing up the installation I forgot to tighten down the nut that secures the B+ cable to the alternator B+ terminal. Over the next few days I started getting a intermittent battery light on my dash. It would come on for a few mins then go out. Today the battery indicator came back on so I popped the hood (with the engine still running) to check the battery cables and I noticed an electrical glow at the B+ terminal on the alternator. I immediately shut off the engine and pulled the negative battery cable off. After checking the terminal that's when I noticed I hadn't tightened the nut down that secures the B+ cable to the alternator terminal.

Therefore my questions is, would that cause the cable to get hot to the point of glowing :flame: and melting the cable insulation and plastic terminal cover cap? Again, thanks for all you guys do,
Excuse the long post.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Hello T4R family. Did a search for a post/thread on this situation but couldn't find any relational info so thanks in advance for your input.

I recently replaced my 3rd gen Denso alternator with a new factory replacement one. Upon finishing up the installation I forgot to tighten down the nut that secures the B+ cable to the alternator B+ terminal. Over the next few days I started getting a intermittent battery light on my dash. It would come on for a few mins then go out. Today the battery indicator came back on so I popped the hood (with the engine still running) to check the battery cables and I noticed an electrical glow at the B+ terminal on the alternator. I immediately shut off the engine and pulled the negative battery cable off. After checking the terminal that's when I noticed I hadn't tightened the nut down that secures the B+ cable to the alternator terminal.

Therefore my questions is, would that cause the cable to get hot to the point of glowing :flame: and melting the cable insulation and plastic terminal cover cap? Again, thanks for all you guys do,
Excuse the long post.

The resistance from the cable having a bad ground could have been enough to make that cable glow.

Make sure you tighten those connections!!

 

[LittleCaesar]

It can.

This time tighten down all the nuts. Then with a DVOM, check to make sure you are getting 13.3~14.2 volts at the battery terminals with the engine running, thus ensuring that the ALT is doing its job. You may want to invest in a new positive cable sometime down the road if you have some extra $$$.

 

[4Yota]

The resistance from the cable having a bad ground could have been enough to make that cable glow.

Make sure you tighten those connections!!

Great advice. Didn't think it would cause concern on that level. I tightened it down and voila, no more nuclear fusion radiation glow :cheers:. Thanks for the quick response.

 

[4Yota]

It can.

This time tighten down all the nuts. Then with a DVOM, check to make sure you are getting 13.3~14.2 volts at the battery terminals with the engine running, thus ensuring that the ALT is doing its job. You may want to invest in a new positive cable sometime down the road if you have some extra $$$.

Per your suggestion, I threw a DVOM on the battery under load and it was well within the recommended voltage range. Also because of the insulation damage to the pos terminal cable hanging off the battery harness I re-wrapped it after making sure no damage was done to the actual wires inside. All is good now :bluejump:. Thanks.

 

[eddiebx]

Perhaps the constant arcing from the loose connection could've generated enough heat to start the melt down process? You know how when you first connect the terminal of a battery, you get that slight spark? Imagine that happening over and over again as you drive...

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Great advice. Didn't think it would cause concern on that level. I tightened it down and voila, no more nuclear fusion radiation glow :cheers:. Thanks for the quick response.

No worries, glad all is resolved!

 

[4Yota]

Perhaps the constant arcing from the loose connection could've generated enough heat to start the melt down process? You know how when you first connect the terminal of a battery, you get that slight spark? Imagine that happening over and over again as you drive...

Absolutely. When ever I came to a stop the battery light on the dash would flicker rapidly rather than a constant on. Almost sure that was the arcing going on as it would ground then short very quickly probably due to the vibration of the engine ( I think).