Posted for "sqpilot@earthlink" <sqpilot@earthlink.net>:

  Hi, All....Unfortunately, I work as a mechanic, and I have had to replace many batteries that cooked after the alternator failed. As to how long it actually took, I can't answer that.  All I know is that it smells awful, you get acid all over your clothes, the acid eats through the clothes, and it's messy. I have also had to replace a few wires that run from the alternator to the battery, as they melted the insulation off them in a few instances.
        I have installed a 70 amp fuse just after the alternator, so that (If my thinking is correct)  if the alternator should short out internally, it will blow the fuse between the alternator and the battery, and be electrically disconnected from the circuit, and unable to cook the battery. Of course, I will no longer have a charging system, but my EXP buss annunciator panel will warn me ot this, and hopefull between my main battery and my backup battery, I can find a suitable airport to land and replace the alternator and fuse.  Comments are encouraged and welcome.  Thanks to everyone for their input. I regard this as a safety concern.  Paul Conner