Originally Posted by
haugy
Normally the starter solenoid will cook before the alternator. I'm assuming it was a quick pop, and then you undid the cables?
When the engine is running put a voltmeter on the line from the alternator, you want to be getting at least 12-13volts. 14+ is optimum.
What makes you think your alternator is toast? Is the voltmeter not registering? Could be a fuse in the dash array setup keeping the gauge from working. Test the alternator first with a volt meter, and then work down the line.
As for the stereo, check the back of the head unit. Typically there is a fuse on the back.
Don't feel bad, I did that once in my CJ by not paying attention. Zaaaaaaaaaaaaap, and some smoke from the starter solenoid. Amazing it started up and ran fine. But the fuse on the back of the head unit was toast.