Alternator problem? Please help.

[Streyker]

Ok, I recently bought a 91 hatch, and when I got it home, i popped the hood and found that the battery had fallen over slightly in the tray. I stood it back up, and tightened the battery support back down. No problems, yet.

The next day my battery is low, not enough juice to turn the starter. It's an Everstart from walmart, its only 2 months old according to the sticker. So I pop the clutch rolling out of the drive way, I drive it the 2-3 miles to Walmart, they test the battery, its reading 72 CCA, of a 500 CCA battery, they replace it under warranty.

The next day, I go to auto zone to buy the haynes manual, I come back out, and the battery is dead, so auto zone charged it for me, and i had them test the charging system, the alternator regulator is bad.

So I buy the alternator and drive it home on the battery (2-3 miles) and I replace the alternator, then I drive back up to the auto zone to return he old core, car runs fine, starts fine, etc. I return the core and buy an alternator belt because when swapping I notice mine was starting to crack and fray. So I go home, and I put the new belt on, and I pull the top alternator mount off the block completely and I'm at my bench cleaning it with some parts cleaner, and I smell burning solder, so I turn around and there is smoke coming out of the alternator... What?!

So this is where I am, I haven't started it because I'm pretty sure the alternator just toasted itself, I'm considering driving it back up to auto zone and having them test it again to confirm. Which could end with me replacing it... Again?

I would really like any opinion on this before I do anything. Thanks!

[jeffro]

I suck with electrical stuff, give it some time, someone will hit you up with a few suggestions.

[Streyker]

Originally Posted by jeffro

I suck with electrical stuff, give it some time, someone will hit you up with a few suggestions.

Yea, thanks. I'm going crazy here wondering what would burn up 2 alternators.

[InfamousJDM]

Sounds like it might not be grounded right..

You probably have a floating ground somewhere

Check all your grounds.. Also check the alternator connection

[Streyker]

Originally Posted by InfamousJDM

Sounds like it might not be grounded right..

You probably have a floating ground somewhere

Check all your grounds.. Also check the alternator connection

Sorry for late input here, I ended up exchanging alternator on warranty again, third time's a charm I guess. Must of had a dud, stupid remanufactured parts.

She's running fine again... For now!

[Pata078]

good.

post pics of your Hatch. It's a DX or Si?

[Streyker]

Originally Posted by Pata078

good.

post pics of your Hatch. It's a DX or Si?

DX here's most recent photo, she's due for more soon.