alternator caught on fire !

[johnatg]

Hello, I am new to this site. I've got a 2002 Explorer 4.0L , the alt caught fire while driving it. It totally melted the main power lead to alt . I've soldered in a new end on power lead and replaced the alternator. The alt seems like it's getting very hot when I run the vehicle. It acts like it could do the same thing again. Do I have a short circuit??? Where is the voltage reg on the alternator? Is it internal? I'm going to go get a repair manual today. Any help is greatly appreciated. John

 

[Robert Nick]

I have seen this happen on Nissans in the Past. The issue is usually caused by a Loss of Torque on the B+ Cable (Main 12VDC Power Lead) Attachment Nut. It starts as Minor Arcing at the Alternator Stud and as the loss of torque increases over time, the Arcing Increases until Alternator Function stops. You will need to change the Alternator Output Cable after replacing the Alternator. This Cable may be part of the Engine Room Harness.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Did the hood get damaged? The regulator is internal.