Rep Power: 305

Up until 1 month ago I was using the stock alternator. In the process of removing the connectors/wiring from the alternator the power post (see picture) was broken off. Somebody got cockdeisel on it when they tightened it down so by breaking it loose actually broke it off. Unfortunetly this "power post" is built into the housing. I tried and tried to get the stud out but later realized that it doesnt come out.

This leads me to purchasing a NEW alternator So fast forward 2-3 weeks later. I'm driving to work this morning and its kinda dark.. my headlights look very dim. then my radio cuts off, my speedo stops working, ABS light comes on, radio continues to cut in and out. I proceed to turn the car around and get it home in fear of it dieing completely.

Ok so later that afternoon i diagnose the issue and get the battery checked to see if its okay.. battery turns out fine just needs charging. move on the alternator. I disconnect the plug and the "eye" connector to examine them. the eye connector looks to be in bad shape. I ccouldnt really see the alternator too good so i pulled it out.

This is what I see:

-The black piece on the bottom seems to be broken/melted/crumbled.
-The "power post" is burned through almost all the way.

Conclusin:
It seems to me that the eye connector arced out and burned through the post. How did this happen and why?

 
Rep Power: 811

i guess its a part of the alternator breaking process. i went through an alternator every 6 months in my old jetta they just kept doing it. i've only gone through one on the civic. are you installing these yourself? sometimes the rebuild just sucks

 
Rep Power: 305

yeah i put it in myself.. not complicated to change. maybe theres supposed to be a backup nut behind the eye? i'll have to consult my honda bible or if anyone has a pic of a new one?

 
Rep Power: 305

just checked the book, nothing was missing from what i can see. maybe the connector was loose? anyways, i'll be warrantying this out in a few mins.

 
Rep Power: 304

are you running extra accesories that require power (ie: system, etc.). maybe that has something to do with the extra current draw?

 
Rep Power: 305

just a simple system 12" sub with 200 watt amp. running wideband,boost controller and emanage. never had an issue beforehand. chalk it up to faulty alternator?

 
Rep Power: 315

You got it, loose connector!

 
Rep Power: 302

Maybe a faulty alternator, but looks more like it was not making a good connection, and arced until it died. There should be a washer, lockwasher, the actual lug, another lockwasher and a nut. Only way to get a good solid electrical connection without tightening the crap out of that stud.

 
Rep Power: 305

yeah thats what i thought too but there only the nut which is on the stud, the eye goes on the stuf then a nut goes on top of it. i [probably didnt have it tightened all the way down which caused it to arc out. live and learn thanks for the help/suggestions guys.

 
Rep Power: 302

Yes, a nut by itself will come loose. Find a star or other lockwasher.

 
Rep Power: 0

that part looks like is the ground wire post and if it was loose that can happen