So I was leaving campus tonight when my idiot lights lit up like a christmas tree. I immediately turn around and bring it back home, watching as my temperture gauge oscilates between 180 and 195 ever minute or so. EGTs were normal the whole trip and i took it really easy on the way back (obviously). Now the idiot lights point to a bad alternator, but how does that relate to the temp spikes? I checked the belts and pulleys and everything was turning cleanly. I'll check the voltage off the alt tomorrow, I just want to make sure I'm looking in the right direction. Any input would be appriciated.

-Nick

 

In case anyone cares, upon inspection today my alternator was emitting a serious cloud of smoke. Time to replace it methinks.

 

burnt up alt... it was probably one of those cheap *** autozone rebuilds