Bare Wires, But Why?

[Vegablade]

So since i don't really have a place to do my own oil changes i have been taking my car to a local Quick ****. The guys there are great and are always helpful and explain everything they do to your car and are always facinated by my SHO. Anyways, while under my car i heard a strange sound and the guy yell. He then told me that i had some bare wires coming from the starter, one to the alternator, the other im not sure. They put some duct tape on it to keep it safe for the ride home. I got under there yesterday and all i had to protect them was some black electricians tape so i spooled it nice and tight with a couple layers on them.

My question is...What is supposed to be covering these wires? It doesnt look like the plastic melted off, is it that plastic loom stuff?

 

[SHOZ123]

Some how the cable got shorted out. Like maybe an oil filter across the always hot cable on the starter......

That should look like a battery cable with insulation on it. It has gotten so hot it melted.

 

[SHOtimer]

...that looks like the ground wire that is pushed onto the tab on the starter.

Doug

 

[sperold]

I think we know why there was a strange sound and a guy yelling.
You were there for the meltdown.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Yea, that wire's insulation isn't all that... usually there is a special oil resistant type of wire, and by the looks of it, its not that kind of wire on that ground for the starter... I cut mine back a long time ago and put a female spade connector on there. After time the oil and heat just melt that crap away, then it oxidizes, and might cause issues starting it... I remember a time when I had to wiggle it for it to start..

Might cost a dollar or two to fix.. no big deal.

 

[Vegablade]

I pretty much got it all buttoned up. I just wasn't sure if it was a common problem or not and wanted a little input.

thanks.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Oh yea... it just happens pretty much due to its location... it almost always gets wet when you change the oil.