Alernator power cable?

[smokinshogun]

So when changing the radiator on my 95 auto I forgot to disconnect the battery. So while I was pulling out the radiator it touched this wire going into the alternator. It sparked because the cap wasnt even on this bolt protecting the wire. So the cap and wire got all burnt and the eyelet broke in half and fell off. So after pulling out all the battery cables hoping a fuse or something was blown, I discovered there was only one wire going into a connector by the fuse block. So replaced the cable and tried hooking up the battery and it sparked from the battery and alternator when hooking up the negative. So then Ive replaced the starter seloniod (all the threads from the positive stud got roasted off) and all the battery cables. It still sparked so then I decided to move the nut that attached the cable to the alternator away from the case. No more sparks. The alternator tested good but now that cable is getting a little hot after a short drive. So my question is what would happen when you ground or short that cable into the alternator? And is the nut holding the cable on there supposed to be right against the case? I believe it sparked because the power was able to go through the case which serves as the ground right? Thnaks alot for any assistance!

 

[sdpatt]

That wire is the 12V supply to the alternator. Shorting it should have popped the fuseable link near the starter solenoid end of that same wire (under the air box). The nut holding that wire to the alternator should NOT touch the alternator's grounded outer body. That is why there is a large dielectric mount surrounding the lug where that wire lands on the alternator.

The lesson to learn here is always remove the negative lead from the battery when working on the car unless you are not going to be NEAR any of the car's electrical systems. Just like the user manual states.