What would couse an altanator to over heat?

Question

I have a 94 beretta with a 3100 V6. the altanator is keep getting hot and smoking. what causes it?

Answer 1

If the bearings went out that would be a reason for it to over heat

Answer 2

probably a short in the windings inside the alternator.

Answer 3

a high load, or regulating system failure. bearings will cause this as would a loose fan bolt( for lack of a better term, you know. the bolt on the end of the shaft that holds the pulley and and blade on to that shaft.

Answer 4

the voltage regulator could be toasted and it is overcharging, or the bushings in the alternator could be bad causing excessive heat. This is assuming it is hooked up properly.....

Answer 5

a numberr of things... all of which have the same solution.  replace or rebuild it.

Answer 6

REPLACE IT.

Could be electrical, could be bad bearings, could be you have new headers,,,,,, the possiblities are endless....

ONE THING FOR SURE,,, it's not supposed to smoke.  Replace it, before you are one the side of the road, toast your electrical system, or burn up your car.