Alternator nut turned orange hot?

[SAS90T]

My alternator's top nut got so hot that it glowed orange, the wire got hot but not so hot you couldnt touch it..is this normal? i never noticed it before..if not what can be causing this? the nut was alittle loose and i tightned it..didnt check after, could that have been the problem...anyone have an idea>

thanks for listening
Steve

[tsupra]

sounds like that was the problem. a loose nut would mean a poor connection. a poor connection means higher resistance and higher resistance plus a lot of current in an electrical circuit means heat. you might want to take the nut and wire off and clean them, i'll bet you have some carbon arcs on them now, black marks on the metal. use a scotch brite pad to make all the metal shiny again then put back together and make sure the nut is tight.

[Mr. Sinister]

I doubt a loose nut would cause that problem. If anything, you would have problems charging the battery. I would check in this order:

- Battery. See if it's taking the charge. My guess is that your battery crapped out and is causing the problem.

- Alternator. Check for it's output.

- Any shorts.

Has your battery/brake/can't remember third light come on or flickered at all?

Hope this helps.

[ridah]

If the nut is somewhat loose it can ge hot. Mine fried the plactic cover that goes over it. It possible it could be a short but usally a fuse will pop instead of something getting real hot.

[SAS90T]

well it seems that it was the loose nut..i tightened it and no more heating up..i will keep an eye on it and keep you guys posted
thanks for the replies..

Steve