I have an 89 Acura legend LS , The car died so i went to jump it, once i put the cables on the battery the alternator started to smoke,took cables off then started car, car ran for about 5 minutes then died again, biggest concern is why alternator was smoking. Like to know if just bad alternator before i go and buy a new one.
I strongly suspect that one or more of the diodes inside the alternator failed shorted and the alternator needs replacing.
Sorry in advance for boring you with some details :) In simple terms, think of diodes as one way valves when it comes to current: they allow current to only flow in one direction. On alternators, diodes "make" DC from the AC that the alternator generates. When boosting, they also make sure that the current being supplied by the booster cables is not allowed to flow through the alternator as it isn't designed to do that. On your alternator, the shorted (bad) diodes conduct in both directions so current from the booster cables is not stopped, causing current to go through it when boosting. This is a lot more current than the alternator can handle so it smokes - it may have damaged more than the diodes now.
Try to get the car running again and measure the voltage across the battery while running. You can buy a cheap multimeter at radio shack or sears(if you are in the US), if you don't have one. Make sure you understand how to read DC voltage before you use it. It should be about 14.5 volts DC (the normal charging voltage). If you don't see 14.5V DC, you could switch to AC out of curiousity and most likely measure several volts AC, indicating that the diodes are blown. If you don't see a charging voltage, I'd replace the alternator. On some Honda/Accura alternators one can just put new diodes in, so it may pay to check with the dealer on the replacement parts.
If anything else, just report back here. Remco
After thinking about it just a little longer, perhaps don't try to start the car: Since your alternator is smoking, you don't want to do more damage to it in case you can fix it by justs replacing the diodes (it might save you serious money). Instead, disconnect the fat wire from the alternator and measure from it to the body. If diodes in the starter are bad, you will see a very low resistance (a couple of ohms) regardless wheter you switch the black and red wire on your multimeter.
Btw, you didn't mention it, but when you rechanged your battery did it just go flat all by itself after a little time? If so, another indication that the alternator has bad diodes.
Just read Remco remarks, excellent advice. Good luck.
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