Hi Guys,

After 2yrs and 1mo, my DC power 270XP amp died. wtf or should I say WTF? I put the almost 10 yr old factory alt back on and everything is good again, except for the glaring fact that I have a $600 dead alternator. It is a month beyond warranty (of course).

Any ideas on this one? Truck has been running great. Oil cooler, EGR bulletproof cooler, STC done in Dec at Ford due to high deltas. I have a small stereo - one 12" subwoofer, otherwise nothing that really stresses the electrical system. I did the "big three" with 1/0 copper - cost a fortune, saw no difference - but that could have been an issue for the alt.

Anyone else had trouble. I left a message today with etch support but did not get a call back. I hope they make good on this - I waited almost 4 mo's to get this thing and it was supposed to outlast my truck.

Dan

 

Wow, after all the posting about how great these alt are. I have had autozone rebuilds last longer then that. I hope they make good on fixing this for you!

 

yeah that's exactly why I posted. I hope it is an aberration but I expected to never have alternator troubles. I even made AAA come check the batteries b/c "it could not be the alternator"

 

Most alternators die because of the recifier/diodes. I never understood why they think these are not prone to the same failed parts as I don't believe they make heavy duty diodes. Sucks you waited for 4 months and $500.... why mine runs an Advanced Auto 140amp.

Hope it works out for you.

 

And you can go around the corner to get another one under lifetime warranty and be back on the road the same day. My thoughts exactly.

 

The stock alternator has been sitting in my garage in my pile of things to get rid of - thank god I kept it. If DC power does not fix it, I will get a lifetime warranty one when the stock one finally goes.

 

Keep us posted on the outcome......

I hope DC makes good on this w/all there Hype. I recently installed a DC 190 HD "but" I bought mine from ED @ FICMREPAIR (which makes me comfortable if I ever did have an issue). I did NOT do the Cable Upgrade, after careful consideration I just didn't feel it was necessary & your feelings just confirmed that for me.

Good luck

 

I bought the Advanced Auto 140amp for a 2005 model year truck. Lifetime warranty, yes sir! Buy on-line and use >>TRT30<< for a coupon code, get 30% or $50 off the price and then pick it up at a store near you.

Be on the road from their parking lot... two bolts, a couple wires and 15 minutes!

 

Even Ferraris break down. If you really need the power, a generic, off the shelf isn't going to cut it, not matter the warranty or ease of exchange.

I've had the same DC on my truck for over 7 years now. Let's see what DC has to say.

 

DC power gave me an RMA and I am sending it back. They were very nice. Took a few tries to get through. I will update when I find out what went wrong. I agree that the extra power is good, although I am not sure I really needed it with just a 1000W stereo system. My 10 yr old Ford original alt is still running strong and really saved the day yesterday.

 

That's the main problem for me. Send it in once you have an RMA and if granted then they ship a replacement back to you. Bottom line is "down time" If a 140 amp. will suit your purpose, need I say more.

 

I took an alternator off an ambulance we are getting rid of at the fire company, It's a 7.3 and is running a 400 amp alt, these units are done right. they separated the regulator and diodes in a separate box, that gets mounted behind the grill, to make wiring easier they have 3 separate power post, 5/16th studs on the top of the alt. so instead of running 00 welding wire you can use 4 ga. I ran 1 to each battery and the third to the fuse box, helps spread out the load. So far so good, been in for almost 2 years puts out 230 amps at idle. Relocating the guts of the unit makes the difference.

 

Thanks for the update! My re-man 'stock' alternator is on the shelf in 'standby' mode too.

 

It's funny how some products on the market somehow get a reputation for legendary performance, and then you're left scratching your head when it gives up the ghost.

I feel your pain. Same thoughts crossed my mind when my read head steering gear wore out after 2 years and 20K some odd miles, and they told me "it's well beyond warranty".

Hey - at least the alternator swap is like a 5-minute deal. Could be a lot worse.
I installed the motorcraft "extra heavy duty" alt and it's been great.

Motorcraft parts are usually "just around the corner" too.

Good luck.

 

Being in the auto service business, I am well aware that ANY part- no matter how well-engineered, expensive, revered, etc., can and will fail. I also understand that we only read about failures online, and people don't post to say "Hey, my fancy XXX part gave me another day of flawless performance". However I must say that I am surprised to read about these DC Power alternators failing given the claims of the manufacturer.

When I was looking for a higher output unit to replace my failed one last year, I briefly considered the DC as an option but just couldn't bring myself to justify the cost. Now mind you, I've capitalized on any chance I've had along the way to improve the reliability of my truck (i.e.- Bulletproof Diesel oil cooler system, etc) but an alternator is a 5-minute job and even if you bought something and later abandoned it despite warranty coverage, you could still try several avenues with the money you'd spend on one DC unit. And these just haven't been quite as legendary as they've been made out to be- at least not in my book and certainly not for what they ask for them.

Just my $.02.