VL alternator cable melting

[-mick-]

Hey all,
recently I purchased a VL Berlina and after taking it for a drive the battery ran flat, so i popped up the bonnet and find the alternator wasn't even hooked up.

after realising this I rushed off to the shop and bought some 6mm battery cable, I then ran the cable from the alternator straight to the battery and it almost instantly melted.

what could the problem possibly be?

thanks in advanced

[Tree cutter]

Most probably a short in the alternator.

[wamboin23]

short in the internal electrics of the alternator.

also, never connect alternator straight to battery without a fuse, make sure you put a suitable size fusible link inline.

[axemurderer101]

was there a plastic of fibre washer on the main batt terminal on the alternator?

[-mick-]

okay thanks, yeah i'll place a fuse on the cable next time just to be on the safe side of things.
so.. i'll most likely have to replace the alternator?
i'll take it to the local auto electrician see if he can find any faults within the alternator
no, there was just a normal galvanized washer on it