alternator problems
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alternator problems
I've got a 2003 F250 7.3L. I've gone thorugh 6 alternators since I bought the truck (new with approx. +- 100 miles). Dealership said they haven't heard of anybody else going through that many and suggested I try ford-trucks.com. Any one have any ideas?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Are you installing new alternators, or "rebuilds"?
What is the failure mode? Is it consistent? Blown rectifiers? Failed regulator? Bearing failures? Broken windings?
Does your alternator have to work "harder" than normal?
Any abnormally heavy electrical loads? Plow? Lights?
Does truck sit a lot?
Or get driven on short drives (lots of starts)?
What is the failure mode? Is it consistent? Blown rectifiers? Failed regulator? Bearing failures? Broken windings?
Does your alternator have to work "harder" than normal?
Any abnormally heavy electrical loads? Plow? Lights?
Does truck sit a lot?
Or get driven on short drives (lots of starts)?
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the first 3 i put in where brand new and the last 3 were rebuilds. all 6 caught on fire. no snow plow. i live south west of houston. i pull a tractor about every other month or so. i don't leave it sitting with the engine on with diesel at the the ridiculous prices its at.
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yup. it's ridiculous. I don't rev the engine, drive more than 10 over any speed limit, leave it running, constantly turn it off and on. I keep my k&n air filter clean, I keep both batteries clean and spray terminal protector on them after cleaning.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Burnsville, MN
Sears has a clamp-on ammeter for about $60 that will read dc current up to about 400 amps. You "obviously" have and excessive load and you're going to have to track it down.
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I just replaced alternator on my 7.3 with 240k on odometer. I bought the truck with 190k and the alternator didn't look new at all.
I heard lot of stories about different brand owners replacing rebuild alternators several times till they found the one that lasted, so that would be my first guess in this case.
I don't think alternator even working at high output should catch the fire, shouldn't it?
I heard lot of stories about different brand owners replacing rebuild alternators several times till they found the one that lasted, so that would be my first guess in this case.
I don't think alternator even working at high output should catch the fire, shouldn't it?
