Sparking Alternator

[cookmeup272]

Ok so I finally got everything done on my car after a motor swap. Finished getting the transfer case one and the radiator and a whole bunch of other little stuff. Hooked the battery up and attached the charger to it at 10amps. With the MPI relay out and no spark plugs in the cylinders (as well as no wires even going to the coil pack), I turned the motor over to prime the engine. My buddy noticed sparks coming from INSIDE the alternator. Everything is wired right. The alternator sat for about a month and a half or so. Why would it spark? Could it be from the charger? Could it be that while it sat, some stuff got on the brushes or the coil? This is really the ONLY thing at the moment stopping me from starting my car.

I think some power steering fluid might have gotten down into the alternator....

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I have never seen or heard of an alternator sparking like that. Is it just sparking a little bit inside, or is it shooting sparks outside of the casing. I would think the only way it would spark would be if the bearings were totally wasted or the brushes were totally gone. I don't see why having the charger hooked up would have anything to do with it either. As long as the bearings seem good and the thing isn't shooting sparks out all over I would try to start the engine and see what the voltage output looks like. If it's just sparking a little inside I would run the engine a little and see if it stops after it spins for a few minutes. Good luck

 

[cookmeup272]

Ok well i started the car for the first time since the bottom end swap and all that fun stuff. Alternator sparked for say, 2 seconds. Then it stopped sparking. My alternator dash light is on. But....logging battery voltage on DSMlink im seeing 14 volts at idle.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

What do you mean your alternator dash light? Do you mean the battery light? If it's putting out 14v at idle it should be ok though.

 

[cookmeup272]

yea sure , The coliseum looking one.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

yea sure , The coliseum looking one.

Uhhhh.... That would be your low coolant light. It is supposed to be a picture of the radiator. Check your overflow reservoir to make sure it is full.

 

[cookmeup272]

....i feel SO FCKING STUPID right now ! Ugh I hate when I have these moments

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

It's all good At least your up and running, your alternator is putting out good voltage, and you've figured out your dash light. I'd say you're making good progress.