Alternator, F-150 4.6

[texastech_diesel]

What size (power output) alternator came on a 2006 F-150 XL 4.6L? A friend of mine is trying to run a 350 linear amp and is complaining that between that and his two amps for his stereo system that he swears that hes maxing out the amperage, so he's looking to upgrade the alternator. He's complaining that he can feel the engine bog down just a hair when he peaks the power on his linear.

I don't have access to his truck so I can't verify his complaint, but has anyone experianced anything along these lines? I've heard of people in SDs draining their batteries while plowing because they draw too much from the alt. but never from an amp.


P.S.- There is an identical thread in the F-150 forum, but I thought I'd ask here anyways

[Franklin2]

It's most likely a 110amp, but I think a 130amp was an option.
The engine loading down a little bit from the alternator load would be normal. Nothing is for free, and drawing all that power increases the load on the engine because the alternator is harder to turn.

The best indicator of a alternator that is overloaded would be to take a voltage reading at the alternator or near the alternator on the large output wiring. If it drops much below 12 volt, then you might have a problem.

The way all this high power stuff is hooked up also plays a part in how the aux equipment performs. Something that requires a lot of power ought to have it's own large wire that runs to the battery terminal with the proper fuse, skipping the factory wiring.