C2 alternator problem?

[Henry 36130]

My battery is dead, no click to start, nothing. I had been driving the car fairly regularly. When I charged the battery the alternator wires started smoking. Is it possible my alternator is the problem and my car was running the past several weeks on the battery alone? Battery is still dead.

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 alternator problem?

What you can do--remove the alternator and take it to Auto Zone and have it tested for free.
If your alternator is bad, and its the original, don't give it for a core charge if you purchase a rebuilt alternator. The imprinted information a original alternator housing is hard to replace. You can have it rebuilt later.
If your alternator is bad, be sure to fully charge your battery before you start your car with any alternator. It is recommended that before you drive your car after it has been sitting for awhile to fully charge the battery. This makes the alternators job easier.
Yes you can drive your car for hours just using the battery if its driven during the daytime, starts very quick, and you don't have air conditioning, and don't use the radio. In short with just the drain going to the ignition system you can drive for quite a while. I once drove over 200 miles on just the battery in my 70.

[Henry 36130]

Re: C2 alternator problem?

Thanks Jim - What do you suggest as far as dealers who rebuild alternators?

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 alternator problem?

Any rebuilder in your area can do the rebuild, or you could sent it to a rebuilder that advertises in the NCRS Driveline like John Pirkle. I believe you can buy a AC Delco rebuilt alternator from Advance Auto. The handle some of the AC Delco rebuilt products.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: C2 alternator problem?

Henry,
You should always disconnect the negative battery cable before attempting to charge the battery. It prevents a multitude of "potential" electrical problems, i.e roasted wires, polarity problems, fire, etc.
Ronnie