Need answers-Alternator bad after engine pressure washed.
 

'97 Mirage DE1.5L
My car was leaking oil and stunk like burnt oil after an oil change. Took it back after a monthand theytightened the oil filterand sent me on my way. Continued to smell like oil, still leaked and a month later, my engine was extremelyfilthy.A friend suggested I wash the engine to get a good look at where the leak was.Hetook my car to a car wash, sprayedon SimpleGreen and used a pressure washer.I'mnot sure if he covered anythingproir to the wash. Car wouldn't start.Dried the distributer andeverything else he could, even checking the fuses to make sure they were dry. After almost an hour, the car finally started...but my battery light and my break light were on. he drove around to get the engine dry but here it is, two days later and the lights are still on. Also, my battery lost it's charge. Repair shop says i need a new alternator in addition to needing to replace my oil pump and something else...maybe oil gaskets? Can't recall. Estimate was $900-$1000.

Question:
Could the oil possibly have leaked onto the alternator (Its in the same area)?
Could the oil gunk havebeen washed into the alternator?
Could the alternator have been damagedwith the water?
Is it possible that the alternator was about to go bad anyway?

One more thing. He says when he opened my fuse box, he noticed a large 10A fuserigged with wires (possibly to fit into the smaller 10A space). He pulled that out wondering why it was there. Could that have anything to do with the alternator?

This is my first post. Single mom who can't afford the $1000 repair.

RE: Need answers-Alternator bad after engine pressure washed.
 

Yes the fuse could be causing the alternator problem.

The water more than likely did it

RE: Need answers-Alternator bad after engine pressure washed.
 

Yes
Yes
Possibly
Yes

The battery light is you're main indicator the alternator is not working properly.
Its either the alternator itself, or the plug shorted from getting wet... but I kinda doubt that much.

I had to change the alternator on my lady's civic once b/c the valve cover was leaking and a nice glob of oil went into the alternator and fried it.

I definitley understand where you're coming from, except i'm not a mom... nora female for that matter.
Did the repair shop explain why the oil pump had to be changed?
Did it suck up some gunk from a possibly sludged motor?
The gaskets they're referring to are most likely the oil pan gasket since they have to remove the pan to get to the pump, I believe.
Still, a grand sounds a little steep.
Take it somewhere else for a second opinion.

RE: Need answers-Alternator bad after engine pressure washed.
 

Agreed with ol josh, get a second opinion and why the oil pump... it MIGHT be the oil problem in the alt, BUUUUT... turning the engine on to dry it is not a bright idea... possibly a short somewhere in it, thats why a normal engine wash its made so to overnight, and covering all electrical parts.

RE: Need answers-Alternator bad after engine pressure washed.
 

The gasket the might be talkin bout could be the valve cover gasket since you say that the alternator is in the same area as the oil leak....... but I agree gat a second opinion. That is way too much... if you lived in phx id hook you up wit one of my mechanics