This can't be good!!!!

[gyxffyg]

I was chasing a clock problem on my 73 Satellite yesterday and looking under the dash by the fuse box and found the pictured melted insulation on two wires that are connected. Chasing the wire out I found one end goes to the alternator and it is a heavy gauge wire, 10 or 12 and I can't tell where the other end goes to under the dash. Where does the other end of the wire probably go. I am replacing the connection and will be getting ready to try to crank the car and see if all is ok. Am I in danger of burning this car to the ground? Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Crackedback]

It likely goes to the main splice where most all the power for the car is pulled, then up to one side of your ammeter.

I'd fix that before firing the car. Something went VERY wrong in the electrical system.

 

[ram250098]

X2..Chase it end to end to be safe.

 

[Moparsmitty]

Yep, looks like you've got a dead short (probably short to ground) somewhere. Definitely figure out where the short is and fix it before reconnecting the battery. Get a ohm meter and go through the wiring. Get help if you are not familiar with electrical troubleshooting. Good luck.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Your lucky you found it NOW!! Normally guys fry the harness going through the steering column and up to the ammeter:blob1:

 

[Shorthorse]

There is a heavy gauge red (to starter relay) and heavy gauge black (to alternator) that end up at the ammeter. Ammeters and bulkhead terminals are always suspect.
Like everyone else said. Find the problem first.

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1973/73SatelliteA.JPG
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1973/73SatelliteB.JPG

 

[gyxffyg]

Thanks guys. Looks like the previous Moron had replaced a section of the wire going from the burnt spot to a location on the other side of the firewall (and then on to the alternator) and did a poor job of making the connection at the burned connector under the dash. I cut out the bad part and found no evidence of a short anywhere. Reconnected the wires and took her for a spin with no issues.
It could have been a lot worse.

 

[747mopar]

Good catch, that could have gotten ugly quick.

 

[Moparsmitty]

Another example of a good reason to put a battery cut off switch on the negative battery post of your ride and use it. If something like this happens while you aren't around, it could burn your pride and joy to the ground and maybe take your garage/house with it. It's cheap insurance.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/oes-25281?seid=srese1&gclid=CMW3wpaer8sCFYqPfgod1FwGZw

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Repair it RIGHT this time,,,,,there might not be a next time,,,,,,,,

 

[69a100]

Keep a extinguisher close by when you do it fire up!

 

[idrivemopar]

I had similar problems with my 73, someone had hacked in a sound system and overloaded the mains and is why I replaced all the harnesses in the car, here is how messy my dash harness was.