[Nevada nitro]

Battery light flashed engine died , everything dead , hooked up jumper cable and alternator started smoking . Replaced alt , timing belt and water pump as I have 200+ k and never changed .I know the battery is junk so I hooked jumper cable and horn honked and dash lights flashed and starter just clicks . I know the motor isn’t locked up because it turned fine by hand after timing belt replaced. Any ideas ? Could the shorted alternator burn up the starter ?

 

[john.judge3726]

Make sure you have a good battery that is fully charged. Most jumper cables are crap! They are too small a gauge wire to start a car if the battery is totally dead.

 

[john.judge3726]

If you're battery is fully charged and/or you have very good jumper cables then your starter is probably bad. But I would make sure your battery is good before you do anything else.

 

[Nevada nitro]

If you're battery is fully charged and/or you have very good jumper cables then your starter is probably bad. But I would make sure your battery is good before you do anything else.

Thanks for the help, that’s what it was . I know better but this car has done some wierd things electrical before and I was super frustrated. Most of my experience is with non computer cars . Next time I will follow my instincts.

 

[john.judge3726]

You are right! Go with your gut!