Upgrading Alternator Output
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Upgrading Alternator Output
We do a lot of plowing and occasionally run into the batteries going low. Upgraded the alternator on an '08 F350 V10 to 200 amps. Having trouble upgrading a '10 F350 V10 because it's a Denso alternator and we haven't found a way to boost them like the Ford alternator on the '08. My understanding is Ford went to the Denso in '09. The wiring hookup is different. Looking for a rebuild kit or replacement but so far haven't found anything. Thanks for any direction.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
The only way you'll get more amperage would be to increase the number of windings in the stator, and rotor segments. You'll also have to change your regulator, rectifier, brushes, and casing to accommodate all the new parts. Do a google search for a HO that is Ford compatible. I've seen some 350a ones for sale.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Paramount, Ca
I was looking into a higher output alternator also and remembered DC Power alternators. https://www.dcpowerinc.com/ maybe you can find something you're looking for.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: West Granby, CT.
I plow also and did lots of research ..... getting a HO or larger alternator will not help because alternators are designed to work at 2000rpm and higher and generally plowing your under 2000rpm (i hope). The local shop built me a HO alternator just because i am stubborn and so many people said that was what i needed. So we put it in and no difference, and switched back to stock. As i have never had a battery die on me it does drain down quite a bit. What we need is dual batteries. I also never had any issues with diesels. Have you noticed a difference in the 08 you upgraded? If so how much difference?
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Zachary, LA
The shop that put my 240 in put a smaller wheel on the alt so it will peak at lower rpms. Also most alts are internally adjustable to increase voltage. Mine runs right at 15v. Great for the 3 15" woofers I run 
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: West Granby, CT.
Yes, we tried a smaller pulley on the HO alternator and it still drew lots of juice while plowing. Would have to plow in 4 wheel low to see the alternator working and that is a royal pita, not to mention gas guzzler. And you have a 7.3 w/dual batteries, would be like you running your 3 woofers all day with the engine not running.
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Thanks for the replies. I talked with Mechman (they have a website but I could only get their phone number off it) and plan to do more follow up with them. Will inquire about the output at low rpm and putting on a smaller pulley. Just put the upgraded alternator on the '08 and haven't used it enough to determine anything. Thought about dual batteries. One problem is where to put it with the V10. Also 50% of the people I talk to think it would solve the problem and the other 50% think it wouldn't. Planning to keep at it. Thanks again.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
According to this site, HO alternators are still rated at higher idle amps than the stock alternator at full power:
Ford 3G large case high output alternator
From their chart, the 250 amp HO alternator is rated at 165 amps idle, while the 130 amp stock alternator puts out 95 amps idle.
Ford 3G large case high output alternator
From their chart, the 250 amp HO alternator is rated at 165 amps idle, while the 130 amp stock alternator puts out 95 amps idle.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
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3G wont fit his application. But you can use them on older Fords (hot rod, street rod applications)
You might also look into an alt from a Ambulance package. They have higher outputs due to all the equipment that they use.
You might also look into an alt from a Ambulance package. They have higher outputs due to all the equipment that they use.
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