big problem need help quick

[TuRBo'DTWiX]

I have a 1990 N/T Eclipse with 160k on it. It was running great until i change the powersteering belt and i dropped power steering fluid on the alternator. The alternator died like a week later so i bought a rebuilt one from strauss and one of my brothers friends put it on along with a new alt belt. 3 days later the alt belt broke while i was driving so i bought a new belt and replaced it on the spot. My car was running great, no problems so i decide to take my car on a trip to philadelphia and my car starts acting erratic when i get to philadelphia my alt dies. I exchanged my alt for another rebuilt one and the car starts up and runs fine. I am driving home and i notice my temperature gauge is on hot so, i pull over and my battery is dead when i try to start the car again. i had it towed home because i didn't want to risk damage to the car. Could i have unplugged something like a fan or radiator? It also puts out white smoke occassionally, could it be the head gasket? Could it be the alternator again? sorry for long post but i need help

 

[jshoaintnoho]

the VERY easiest way to tell if it's you alternator is get a new battery, and start your car. Put a voltmeters terminals on each batter terminal. If it doesn't read at least 14volts your alternators bad. Not to mention that you probably would have saved money if you bought a new one in the first place. White smoke means you have a water leak. Head gastket would be a good guess.

 

[ltvarney]

If you're going thru alternators like that I'd suspect the battery is dying. Also could be the water pump taking a shit and dragging on the alternator I suppose. That might explain the running hot problem.

For the exhaust colors, keep this in mind:

White smoke is coolant. Check oil for milky look and sniff exhaust for a sweet smell to determine if head gasket is leaking.

Grey smoke is oil. Can be mistaken for white smoke. If exhaust smells like motor oil or you're going through oil, you'll need a valve job.

Black smoke is fuel. Probably bad piston rings or a serious valve problem.

 

[BoostedTSi95]

If you're going thru alternators like that I'd suspect the battery is dying. Also could be the water pump taking a shit and dragging on the alternator I suppose. That might explain the running hot problem.

Just a quick question. You are saying if the the water pump is going bad this could cause the alternator to go bad also?