Charging problem

[Harts56]

  Sorry if this is a double post, computer is nearly as reliable as my car!

I burned out a single wire 100 amp March alternator.  When it went out I could smell insulation or the alternator.  Got new alt, tested it - OK, installed and aftermarket volt meter shows about 12V slowly dropping, and in dash amp gauge shows discharge.  So I think this tells me that I am not charging the battery probably due to a fried wire between the alt and the amp gauge.

I used a test light from battery to alt, no power.  So I think this tells me that I am not charging the battery probably due to a fried wire between the alt and the amp gauge.  Does that sound right?  I'm trying not to unwrap all my wiring and narrow the search down, any ideas?

Thanks,  John

[Chryco Psycho]

well I would look at the bulkhead connector first , the guage itself could be the problem , have you checked for power at the ammeter yet if you have power there the problem is between there & the alternator

[Chryco Psycho]

I would recommend installing a jumper from the alt to battery terminal on the start relay on any system using an alternater over 60 amps to protect the factory wiring

[Harts56]

   May have gotten lucky!  Traced alt wire back through firewall on the way to amp gauge (I think) and found a toasty burned wire, actually both ends - looks like it burned and broke! 

I repaired the break and now have current to the alt!  Just need to reconnect all the wiring I pulled underhood and will start it up and see ifit is charging.  If so, then yes I will find a fuse/breaker, and of course if I do that it will never give me problems in the future!

I'll post later if it does fix the problem! 

Thanks

[Strawdawg]

I am working on one that I picked up...prior owner was not so lucky...the entire wiring harness was fused by the fire...You may not be so lucky next time...go back and consider CP's post