glowing hot bolt

[TicoSHO]

i just had the a/c compressor replaced and there is a new belt on there. After about an 1/2 hour trip, i saw smoke from the front pass side of the hood.

i pulled over, popped the hood and saw this bolt glowing so bright it looked like i was on fire. after i turned the car off for bit i drove it home very slow and stopped three time to check it. it was only glowing once more.

i went out this morning and saw the white bolt and melted plastic. sorry out the pic. from a cell

i don't have time to take it back to the mech unitl fri morn.

any ideas? can i drive it with out screwing something up?

 

[Phoenix]

Charging problem , Have your alternator/battery/wires checked.

 

[TicoSHO]

Charging problem , Have your alternator/battery/wires checked.

could i drive it to work for a couple of days? how easy is the fix? can a non-mech noob fix it?

 

[Racer X]

You might want to keep a fire extinguisher in the car if you do! Electrical fires can be a bitch to put out once they get going.

The smart thing to do would be to not drive it until you get that problem fixed.

 

[Off Road SHO]

That looks like the battery connection on your alternator.

Tom

 

[TicoSHO]

what is that wire called? the neg cable? how much are they?

 

[Bizzy]

I don't think the problem is with your battery but the alternator. My son had a problem with his overcharging the system and it had a similar result. Best to remove the alternator and take it to Autozone or other similar parts store to have it checked.

Do NOT drive the car until you figure out exactly what's going on there.

 

[TYSHO]

If that nut is not tightened down correctly, it will get red hot pretty damn quick. I'd go out there and clean the contacts then tighten the nut back down.

 

[SASHO91]

It also could be the spacer that is on the stud. IIRC, its something like ceramic....

A buddy had a problem like yours.

 

[hawkeye18]

That's the big B+ terminal that goes to the battery. If there is corrosion, or more commonly a loose connection, the increased resistance and/or arcing will make that bolt real hot real quick. The first thing you want to do is TAKE THE BATTERY OUT (very important when working with the alternator)! Then, take the nut off the stud, it's 10mm, and check the stud, nut, and cable for any corrosion. I usually have a lockwasher on there to prevent it from backing off, I've had that happen before. If not, then just tighten it very tight (don't break the stud off, though). Check periodically.

If this doesn't fix it, then have it towed to a mechanic. I wouldn't drive it. Once a charlie (electrical) fire starts, pretty much the only way to put it out is to remove electricity and turn it into an alpha (regular) fire. The only way to do this if your alternator sets on fire is to take the battery out... good luck sticking your hands in there. I wouldn't want to.

 

[luigisho]

Yeah. I had an old Ranger burn to the ground from elec. fire. Was driving with flames shooting out of the dr. side front fender. purrty.

 

[SHOZ123]

I like my quick disconnects to the battery.

 

[TicoSHO]

It was a loose connection. The bolt was not tighten all the way down. Tightened it up and all is good.

thanks for the help guys
danny