Re: '86 C-GT Alternator repair?/short in system?

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

-- [ From: Huw Powell * EMC.Ver #3.1a ] --

>I am clueless when it comes to tracking down any electrical problems. Thus
I hope that I have gotten lucky and found and fixed the 'current consumer' 

The way to isolate current drains (static ones, while not running) is to
disconnect the battery cable and jump it with a test light (a spare interior
or parking light will work fine).  The light will glow faintly or brightly,
depending on the load.  Note, this is with the key out of the car, doors
shut, no brake pedal, etc.  One then removes fuses one at a time noting any
change in brightness (you could use a milliammeter in place of the bulb). 
You expect to see some small current going to the radio (for station memory
etc.), to the clock, and to any alarm type installations.  Any other flow is
abnormal and the particular circuit should be checked out for frayed wires,
incorrect installation, etc.

Excessive consumers during operation are much tougher to isolate.

Huw Powell
HUMAN Speakers
http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers