Melting Electrical Wires from Alternator

Hi all,



Some of you may remember I got stranded in Northern France not too long ago, for more info see this thread:



http://ift.tt/1mUP7ft





Well that turned out to be a faulty wire from the loom to the alternator, meaning charge wasnt running from the alternator to the battery. Effectively the wiring was shorting as it had melted.



Now the garage in France fixed it all up, did a good job, or so I thought.



Got back, jacked the car up and all the plastic shielding has melted again, the wires seem to be stuck together and now, worst of all, the battery light has come on, again!



Voltage seems to holding at about 13.7, so nearly ok, but if it rains, is dark, cold etc etc I could loose all power very quickly. Suffice it to say I am trying not to use the car until I can find a proper cause, not just another bodge.



My car is a 160 TF, with an oil cooler by-pass. I thought the by-passed oil cooler and being in France in 30+ degrees and running about 130-140 degree engine temp along with the side scoops forcing cold air in (maybe circulating hot air in the engine bay) could have cause a build up of very hot air around the alternator, causing the wires to fail.



My latest theory, is that all the wiring nearest the manifold and all relevant scoops are fine, its the wires directly by the alternator that are fried.



Could the alternator be frying the wires? Has anyone had an alternator that is outputting too much power, breaking the wiring running from it?



I can get some pictures up, but am going to try take it to Entune 2000 in Bolton for them to get an opinion.



Just thought I would try the forum, most knowledgeable chaps I know!



Thanks, and here's hoping (I dont want to have to call it a day on my lovely 160! :()



PS, I WILL get some pictures up of my holiday in due time, still trying to catch up on work!



James

from the last news http://ift.tt/1laUgLM

via IFTTT