In a real pinch. Help.

Look at the starter where the positive battery cable connects. All the cables should be under 1 nut. Not cable nut cable nut make sense? And the main cable going to the starter from the battery should be closest to the starter. You can get corrosion between the layers if not done properly. I’ve seen more than a 1 not done right.

 

yes, you now have a broken ALT wire. that's like about $500 to $800.........

 

That is what he meant the stud inside is broken. Most likely to the internal regulator. Need a new alternator at least but that may not be your only problem. You said you smelled wires burning. I would try to find where. Yeah I know it's not your truck but your sleeping in it when it catches fire

 

Tell him about the terminal at the alternator it's broke if the stud turns.

 

This is an issue with the power distribution behind the dash. It really has nothing to do with the batteries, or the alternator but something in the power distribution.

Your alternator should be only $300 at most, paying $700 for a LN 170 amp is a rip off. Chances are that the stud was stripped but if the volt meter showed 14.5, then it is all good and you may have fried the batteries.

 

well, it was in the price range i told you. and your boss will/may want the old one back. so the core charge alone may be about $300 to $500........you may have cost your company about $1,000 to $1,400. already by monkeying around.