Alt putting out 17.4 volts. NOT GOOD right?

[Nasty-LSX]

The red wire behind alternator is getting so hot it's melting. When I check voltage at battery it's only at 14.2 volts while it's running. But red wire at alternator is high. Is my alternator bad? How do I diagnose this alternator. It's from a 1992 trans am. FEAD.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Nasty-LSX]

It's the red wire from the battery , to rear of alternator, not the 2 wire plug-in on top of alternator. Got so hot connector came off
The battery is brand new, so i know its not that

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Tonimus]

Not good at all. Regulator is toast. Probably reading that 14.2 at the battery due to resistance from all that heat. Throw a new alternator at it and check for other crusties.

If you're feeling froggy, you could wing a new rectifier and regulator at it.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Not good at all. Regulator is toast. Probably reading that 14.2 at the battery due to resistance from all that heat. Throw a new alternator at it and check for other crusties.

If you're feeling froggy, you could wing a new rectifier and regulator at it.

Are you saying to just buy a rectifier and regulator and replace them inside alt? No special tools needed? Thanks