I am in need of help with diagnosing an electrical issue I am having with my 1984 Ninety Eight. The issue started when I attempted to jump start the car, there was a minor, but more than ordinary spark when I connected the cables to the post and shortly after the alternator began smoking and was damaged in the process. I stopped, replaced the alternator and manually charged the battery. When I attempted to install and reconnect the battery, the arc created when I attempted to connect the negative cable to the battery damaged the first thread on the cable bolt. I have looked throughout the engine compartment for a chewed wire but have not found any evidence. Thank you in advance, Brady

1984 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight electrical issue.

 

That is a great looking car!

Can you substitute a known good battery for test purposes?

Look near the starter for a partially burned/shorted fusible link and at the positive cable where it goes through a tube by the starter.

I'm thinking to disconnect both batt terminals and check for continuity from the positive cable to ground indicating a short to ground. Can someone chime in on whether or not this test makes sense?

Good luck!!!
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Thanks for your reply Sugar Bear, Yes I can substitute a known good battery...I just replaced the battery in my other Ninety Eight with a Delco battery. I'm afraid to attempt to connect another battery after such a huge arc the last time. I'll look where you indicated near the starter for burned wires. I highly suspect a chewed wire (though I don't see any) because I discovered a rat making a nest in the engine compartment of another truck I have in the same garage where the Ninety Eight is stored.

 

Understand about respecting that arc, good call.