3G upgraded '89 Town Car popping circuit breaker.....not sure where to start.

[His Royal Ghostliness]

OK, when you disconnected the plug you essentially shut the alternator off - if the voltage regulator does not see 12V at the green/red wire it just lets the alternator "freewheel" in a sense without making any power. Since the alternator is still physically wired into the main power circuit but stopped popping the breaker, to me this suggest the rectifier (big expensive and annoying part) is still good, and it's just the voltage regulator that pooped on you. Still gotta pull the alt to remove it tho.

[sposey7]

Makes sense to me since the "AMP" light didn't do its thing.

I plan on pulling it after work tomorrow and getting it tested at an alternator shop. That way I can decide the next step (replace or rebuild).

[DerekTheGreat]

Can always try a junkyard unit.

[sposey7]

True, but a local shop quoted me $75 for a rebuild top to bottom if it needs it. Peace of mind and a warranty are worth a few bucks.

[DerekTheGreat]

I like supporting local business.