Q: What would cause an alternator to catch fire?
I'm looking at maybe, purchasing a 2012 Clubman that sustained some "minor"(?) fire damage.
The owner stated that when they had brought the car in for a battery replacement at their mechanic's garage; right after replacing the battery and starting the car - the alternator immediately caught fire.
Although there was definite signs of soot and evidence a small blaze had occurred, I tried to inspect the wiring the best that I could see but couldn't really determine how much wiring had been melted.
The owner had the car towed home and hasn't driven the car in 6months or had made any further investigation or repairs to the cause or replaced parts. "They've put enough into the car and just as soon sell it".

I've never had an experience where replacing a battery would cause the alternator to catch fire...
Anyone care to guess?

Thanks!

 

There would have to be a major electrical fault causing high current for it to catch fire. Just the notion of an "electrical fault" in a Mini would cause me to RUN the other way.

 

Thanks for the quick response and advice!
As much as I've been wanting a Clubman for a long time, this one (although not an S), looks (externally) to be extremely well cared for. The price is "seemingly" at a bargain. However, after grappling with it internally and not knowing enough about these models as well as its maintenance history with their non exclusive Mini mechanic - pretty much is a telltale sign that their chosen mechanic may also be somewhat questionable.
With that being said; Sad as it may be - I have to agree with your advice and grab my running shoes.

Bummer - I was hoping this might be the one.

Thanks

 

What's your budget? I'll sell you mine for a large sum of money

 

let's just say I'm a bit frugal.
@140k mi for less than $3k seemed like something I would've been very interested in. But....

 

I’m sure you’ll find the right one

 

Avoid that car like the plague unless you have a lot of money to spend on troubleshooting and possibly replacing the wiring.