[V8] Electrical Mystery

[j.tomkins at zipcon.net]

Hi everyone,

I had a catastrophic electrical failure Sunday night.  I was driving home from the Opera when my warning system displayed the "battery".  I traveled about 5 more minutes and saw my lights dimming and soon all sorts of warning lights appeared (abs, etc.).  Shortly thereafter the engine began to miss and I pulled over where it quit.  No power to turn over the engine, yellow almost dead lights.

I assumed I had lost either the belt to the alternator or the alternator itself.  I had it towed to the house and amazingly the tow truck driver (while unlocking the wheel and transmission) hit the starter and it fired off.  He then shut it off and we rolled it down the ramp.  

My curiosity aroused I tried and started it with no problem, and it appeared to be absolutely fine.  Bright headlights and no warning lights.  

Having to fly out at 0600 the next morning (it was now 2330) I have been unable to troubleshoot it further.

Is there anything in the electrical that could mimic a failed alternator or am I missing something obvious?  I am looking forward to getting home on Friday to further inspect and diagnose.

I would appreciate anyones thoughts or experience with this type of electrical problem.

Cheers,

Bob
92V8Q