I was removing the alternator & forgot to disconect the battery
I saw a spark when the screwdriver touched the alternator cover & the bolt for the cable. Now the battery died so In thinking the alternator is fried, but is there a fuse or something I should check before I blame it on the alternator. Can anyone give me any advice?

 

There is a "heavy" guage wire straight from battery to alternator. No links or fuses as far as I know. Maybe you blew a diode or anything else in the alternator. I'm no expert but I've never heard of a battery dying from a short like that.

 

No, sorry for the confution. the batery died 2 days after the insident. Im asuming is related.

 

I have a pretty fuzzy memory but I think I replaced my own alternator at least once. I JUST sent payment for a reman unit off eBay, $45 bucks. Not too bad, however, the reason I did that was after testing a newer Delco radio in my ole '89... and my '88 Deville, I ran into drained batteries and in the 89 Formula's case, my alt guage reading very low WITH the motor running.
How's your Alt guage at this point? I contribute my reading as an indicator the battery is suppying all the juice. I bought a couple batteries to always have a backup and never need to have someone give you a jump....that only solves the immediate problem. With a charged battery, your good to go for some time

Bill

 

Got a volt meter? Measure voltage with car off, then with car running. Off should be about 12.5V when charged, running should be 14.5V-15V. Sounds like alternator isn't charging battery properly, could be any sensitive component inside the alternator.

 

Technically Alt guage is an improper use on my part...the manual calls that a voltmeter as well... a bit confusing
Bill

 

A meter that measures voltage... makes sense to me.

 

I guess having the symbols on dash for so long, and in the case of my Cadillac, in the digital readouts only during trouble shooting left me a little hare-brained