Engine Troubles

[SeaOx23]

Hey guys, I am just looking for a little advice here...

Last week the top screw hole on my alternator bracket broke and the alternator fell off down into the engine compartment.

Fixed the bracket today and when I attached the wire that backflows to the batteries I noticed I popped the reset switch on the engine. I fooled with it a bit more and sure enough when I disconnnected the wire and reset the swtich I would get power and the motor would turn over. When I would out the wire back on it would pop.

So I am guessing new alternator but I thought I would ask and see if anyone has had this problem and maybe there is something I am missing.

Any advice would be help.

[Duffman]

Hey guys, I am just looking for a little advice here...

Last week the top screw hole on my alternator bracket broke and the alternator fell off down into the engine compartment.

Fixed the bracket today and when I attached the wire that backflows to the batteries I noticed I popped the reset switch on the engine. I fooled with it a bit more and sure enough when I disconnnected the wire and reset the swtich I would get power and the motor would turn over. When I would out the wire back on it would pop.

So I am guessing new alternator but I thought I would ask and see if anyone has had this problem and maybe there is something I am missing.

Any advice would be help.

Few questions. I/O?? Single wire alt?? "Backflows" to the battery? Is this the single charging wire that goes to your batts?? Not sure what you mean by backflow? "When I would out the wire back on it would pop" Lost me here?? I can defintely point ya in the right direction just trying to figure the whole thing out.

[Reelron]

Few questions. I/O?? Single wire alt?? "Backflows" to the battery? Is this the single charging wire that goes to your batts?? Not sure what you mean by backflow? "When I would out the wire back on it would pop" Lost me here?? I can defintely point ya in the right direction just trying to figure the whole thing out.

Don't know about the other questions but I think out = put. "When I would put the wire back on it would pop."

[SeaOx23]

Few questions. I/O?? Single wire alt?? "Backflows" to the battery? Is this the single charging wire that goes to your batts?? Not sure what you mean by backflow? "When I would out the wire back on it would pop" Lost me here?? I can defintely point ya in the right direction just trying to figure the whole thing out.

Duffman, thanks for the response. It is an I/O Mercruiser 470 80'. It is a single wire alternator with a single wire going back to the batts. By backflow I just meant running back to the batteries.

When I would reconnect the wire to the alternator it would pop the reset switch on the motor, and I lose all my power. However when I disconnect the wire completely and hit the reset switch again I get power and the engine will turn over. Is there a ground or something I am missing?

[Richy B]

I'm just guessing here, but when you say reset button on the motor, it sounds more like a breaker popping. So my guess is your alternator is grounded and tripping your main breaker. Best bet is to use a fluke meter and test your alternator from the charging wire or post to the frame of the alternator (outer casing). If your not familiar with testing with a fluke (Ohm meter) take your alternator to a auto parts store and have them diagnos it for you. I know some stores advertise this service, but I don't know which ones.

[Richy B]

Was the alternator submerged in any water? If it was try drying it out, also check the post where the wires get hooked up for damage. You may have broken insulation around the terminal post grounding to the casing.

[SeaOx23]

RichyB, thanks a lot for the replies...I am going to start with bringing it to an auto shop and having everything tested and then go from there

Thanks again

[Duffman]

I have the same setup. Is yours a high mount or low mount version? Not that it matters, just asking. I have had nothing but problems keeping that f-ing braket in place! Used red loc-tite and its been pretty solid for 2 seasons now, but it WILL work loose again!

Richy B hit it on the head, when that alt fell, something in it let loose. I'll bet the charging stud insulating washers cracked/broke. That short to ground is popping the main breaker.

Either way, it shouldnt be an expensive fix. You can either have it rebuilt locally or order new from BasicPower, they have the best prices I have seen.

[Richy B]

Any results yet??????? Was wondering how you made out.