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I had just changed the spark plugs on a 90 lx 5.0 ho, and then flushed out the radiator with one of those prestone flush kits. While flushing the radiator out I noticed a puff of smoke where all the electrical connections are connected under the hood drivers side firewall. It then proceeded to die in a matter of a couple of minutes after seeing the puff of smoke. I have changed out the battery, and the alternator with absolutely no results. I am on permanent disability, and have 2 kids with an extremely limited income. I'm assuming that since water was coming out of the top of the radiator reservoir that I may have shorted something out that is located in that area of the car. I can follow directions but am some what lost when it comes to a serious technical repair such as this may be. Taking the car to a shop is out of the question for me financially at this point in time. I have a friend who lives about 3 hours away who is a mechanic for a living, but because he lives so far away, and he is working 6 days a week as the new manager at the shop he works at, he has little to no time to actually drive here, and to help me out. The only things I new to do were to check the battery, alternator, and fuses which all checked out fine, I also replaced the wiring harness to the alternator. I checked for power at the alternator, and battery and it was fine while being jump started, shortly after taking the cables off the car dies with in a minute maybe a little less. Not only do I love this car, it is my sole source of transportation for me and my two kids. Is there any body that can advise me on what to do, or where to start? I am just stumped and financially challenged at the moment. Any help will be most appreciated. My friend said that if I can get my car diagnosed he can drive up on his one day he has off and fix it, but that he does not have the time to correctly diagnose it. He stated that could take hours, or days to figure out with out hooking it up to one of his computer code readers he has available at his job, but I'm unable to get my car there. Thanks for any ones advice or help in advance.

If the alternator is putting out, it should be around 14 1/2 volts. If only 12 volts is showing then the alternator is probably bad.

 However you did smoke the connection at the fire wall. You may have damaged connections that prevent the charging system from kicking in. This requires a good look and repair if necessary before you continue.

I changed out the alternator, and that was not it. I also changed the plugs at the alternator and they are reading 14 volts If I remember right. I'll check again. Do you suggest that I look at the connections at the voltage regulator at the firewall where everything is connected? What should I be looking for? I can follow directions fairly well, but I've always been very intimidated by electrical, though I'm willing to do anything to get my only mode of transportation running again.  Any suggestions, and instructions would be of great help to me. Thanks for responding, and your help.