Quicky battery/Alternator related question
Discussion
Hi,
A few months ago my alternator light came on. I thought I'd check the connections before I get a new one, first I undid and re tightened this bolt...
Chris
Anyway, the same thing happened on my way home tonight so I thought I'd try the same trick. This time when loosening the bolt the socket wrench caught against the metal bit of the engine which cause a lot of sparks. I then droped the wrench - que lots more sparks!! Is this normal. I then tightened it back up, and I think I've stripped the thread on the bolt!
Not happy with myself at all. Now have I f
ked the battery by causing the sparks (it still started okay). If the alternator isn't already screwed, can that bolt be replaced?
TIA
ETA I also broke off a bit of surround around the bolt
Not sure if that's important though
A few months ago my alternator light came on. I thought I'd check the connections before I get a new one, first I undid and re tightened this bolt...
Chris
Anyway, the same thing happened on my way home tonight so I thought I'd try the same trick. This time when loosening the bolt the socket wrench caught against the metal bit of the engine which cause a lot of sparks. I then droped the wrench - que lots more sparks!! Is this normal. I then tightened it back up, and I think I've stripped the thread on the bolt!
Not happy with myself at all. Now have I fked the battery by causing the sparks (it still started okay). If the alternator isn't already screwed, can that bolt be replaced?TIA
ETA I also broke off a bit of surround around the bolt
Not sure if that's important thoughThat bolt attaches to a lead that goes straight to the battery.
Hence you caused a direct short with your ratchet.
Loads of people have done this (I welded my ring to a spanner this way)
You'd have to be really unlucky to cause a problem.
Its usually not simple to replace the bolt so if you've cross threaded it - take it to a garage - unless its tight in which case just leave it alone.
Usually batt light (IME) is caused by a loose or worn belt - you usually get a screech from it if you turn all the lights, heated screen etc on.
HTH
Hence you caused a direct short with your ratchet.
Loads of people have done this (I welded my ring to a spanner this way)
You'd have to be really unlucky to cause a problem.
Its usually not simple to replace the bolt so if you've cross threaded it - take it to a garage - unless its tight in which case just leave it alone.
Usually batt light (IME) is caused by a loose or worn belt - you usually get a screech from it if you turn all the lights, heated screen etc on.
HTH
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