Quote
Bob,

When I reconnected the battery, the alternator heated up without running the engine or even turning the key on. Couldn't it be a wiring problem and the alternator and battery are both OK?

Gerry


Now thqt sounds like a bad alternator. If it's doing that, then the battery is forcing current through the alternator when the ignition is shut off, and the only way it can do that is if at least one of the diodes in the alternator has shorted out.

1977 CJ-7, fiberglass body, AMC 360 w/ headers, DUI ignition, Edelbrock intake and Holley 4150 carb, TF999, Dana 300, 4.56 gears lockers, York air comp, 4" susp lift, 2" body lift, BFG 35" M-T tires, Megashifter, AGR pump & box, REP8000 winch.