Riddle Me This

An annoying story from the old days. In the early 70's, stationed at NAS Miramar, I had a 70 440-6 RR bought from a friend. (We still are to this day). Some girls in a Datsun A-holed the car while stopped in traffic. I had two different (junk) Valiants loaned to my by McCune Chrysler Plymouth, the HACKS that "fixed" the RR. Anyhow, one cold morning (yes) at the RADAR shop, I went out and started the loaner to warm it up

My Chief arrived, who did a perfect rendition of the Detective in "Columbo." He came in the shop, knitted his eyebrows in deep concentration, and said, "I just have one question? Is it supposed to be squealing and smoking?"

So I went out and discovered the alternator had locked up. What I DID NOT KNOW is the REASON. I got a rag, loosened the belt to examine, and when I did, THE DIODE THAT HAD FALLEN OUT OF IT'S MOUNT, AND DOWN INSIDE, SHORTED. I got to watch the ENTIRE UNDERHOOD harness go PHIZZLLE--fiZZZZ ZZZZZ ZIP!!! and right before it quit, the FUSE LINK blew!!!

The fuse link is POOR protection!!!