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ADVICE - alternator + fire + not good

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about 10 days ago my alternator bit the dust, having had trouble locating one i just decided to put it into a local garage, i also wanted the loom from it replaced.

after a few days i got it back and was very pleased with the professional looking job.

i ran the car for maybe 50 miles and it was running better than ever.

i pulled into work the other night and just by chance a passer by mentioned a smell from it.

i lifted the bonnet and noticed a yellow glow from inside the alternator (through the little side vents)
this turned into little flames then larger ones, i just splashed some water on it to put them out.

pretty sure if i had left it it would have been much worse.

i'm still waiting to hear back from garage (monday morning)

any idea what might have happened?

brand new parts used.

oh and to rub salt into the wounds i broke the hand brake when putting it up on to the back of the rescue truck.

:(

i pressed the little red button

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That sucks mate but thanks it didn't turn out worse!!

I bet you thanked the passer-by!  :thumbs:

I've no idea to be honest, will be interested to hear what it was

Andy

LINCOLNSHIRE REGION - https://www.facebook.com/groups/467122313360002/

1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign Model - Under (looooong) resto!
1962 Rover P4 80
2002 BMW 745i
2008 BMW Z4 2.5Si

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even when they replace it i will be totally paranoid now. alternator has a warranty but that is little comfort.

i have used the garage a good few times and they have been pretty good so i don't really think it was their fault, possibly manufacturer at fault.

i think i read units are reconditioned now and not totally new (not sure)

there are a few google stories about cheap alternators not up to scratch.

i pressed the little red button

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cant really think of anything that would cause it except duff alternator, since there is only 2 cables to it and if they got those wrong i would expect no charging or melted cables!

i would only fit bosch, hella or valeo alternators. preferably new or reconditioned (by the manufacturer themselves!)

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Got it back Wednesday, the new alternator  looks a lot more modern than the last effort. He had the old one looked at by a specialist  and it looks like it shorted out inside. He rekons it was a Chinese one or something. He had to send off for it so he couldn't  see it before buying it. 
No problems  so far with the the latest one. Can't help having a sniff at my grill every time I get out of it now!
If it goes on fire again I think I'll just let it burn….

i pressed the little red button

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Good news sniffer! Glad it's sorted now ;)

Bit of a rare old fault I think this one.

Andy

LINCOLNSHIRE REGION - https://www.facebook.com/groups/467122313360002/

1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign Model - Under (looooong) resto!
1962 Rover P4 80
2002 BMW 745i
2008 BMW Z4 2.5Si

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basically, things happen to me that NO ONE has ever had happened to anyone else in the history of the earth,

its what i come to expect in life,

i pressed the little red button

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LOL oh dear I thought that was just me!  :lol:

Andy

LINCOLNSHIRE REGION - https://www.facebook.com/groups/467122313360002/

1983 MK1 Golf GTI Campaign Model - Under (looooong) resto!
1962 Rover P4 80
2002 BMW 745i
2008 BMW Z4 2.5Si

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fire in cars scares the bjesus out of me
:o good you caught it in time
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