77ricbaez

Lesson learned, disconnect the battery!

I was doing work on my spark plugs and the ratchet touched the power cable for a split second on connector on the alternator and sparked.

CHecked voltage on the Junction Block and Alternator (getting steady 12.6 V car off) and concluded that the fusible link was not blown. It starts and drives, no issues with the gauges, turned on the lights, high beams, radio, parking brake, temp gauge oil gauge and gas gauge work, checked their respective fuses and they have continuity.

CHecked the battery after driving it for 10 mins, it looks like it is charging since it has 12.9 V. The charge is also 12.9V on the JB and the ALT

Did God save me? What should I keep an eye out for?

svnt442

You're fine, just don't do it again...lol.

77ricbaez

Believe me I learned my lesson, gave me a good scare.

joe_padavano

You might want to invest in one of these.

77ricbaez

probably, but id rather just disconnect the battery if i work near the alt next time

lshlsh2

Did it once myself about 30 years ago. Was a shocking experience. Made me jump and smack my head on the hood of the car. Nothing bad happened to the car but always made sure the battery was disconnected ever since. Was my future wife's 76 cutlass, was totaled by an idiot running a red light about 3 months later.

oldcutlass

What is the voltage at the battery with the engine running? Should be around 14.2-14.5 ish.

76olds

I think most of us have done that, I've not only done that. I was taking the battery out back when I first got the car and put my socket on the positive first not knowing and hit the fender when I give it a good tug. Well I still have the black mark on the inner fender from those sppparks haha.
I ran into the house and took a shot of my favourite drink, Jack on ice just too cool off from that experience.
My wife said you must have really needed a shot, haha, your shakin' !!
Shakin ha shiverd me timber !!
Hope all is good
Eric