Alternator advice?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 5
DCPower guy said no fuse in that link
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 5
Gear, do you think I should tack in a 175 fuse to start and if it pops go up to 200?
Like Bis mentioned I think I'm wondering why a 250 fuse would be bad if they make a 250amp alternator or this truck. Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Like Bis mentioned I think I'm wondering why a 250 fuse would be bad if they make a 250amp alternator or this truck. Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
If the alternator is only capable of 175 amps, under what circumstances would a current exceed that?
Current can flow both ways, from alternator to battery / starter solenoid, or from battery to the alternator cable.
The other circumstance is a short from the battery past the fuse, to the alternator cable.
If the fuse don't pop, you will probably have a fire.
See if it pops before you opt for 200.
When you are doing 2x factor amps, you have drastically raise the energy flow potential through the system, and with it, the risk of a fire from a short.
Current can flow both ways, from alternator to battery / starter solenoid, or from battery to the alternator cable.
The other circumstance is a short from the battery past the fuse, to the alternator cable.
If the fuse don't pop, you will probably have a fire.
See if it pops before you opt for 200.
When you are doing 2x factor amps, you have drastically raise the energy flow potential through the system, and with it, the risk of a fire from a short.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 5
If the alternator is only capable of 175 amps, under what circumstances would a current exceed that?
Current can flow both ways, from alternator to battery / starter solenoid, or from battery to the alternator cable.
The other circumstance is a short from the battery past the fuse, to the alternator cable.
If the fuse don't pop, you will probably have a fire.
See if it pops before you opt for 200.
When you are doing 2x factor amps, you have drastically raise the energy flow potential through the system, and with it, the risk of a fire from a short.
Current can flow both ways, from alternator to battery / starter solenoid, or from battery to the alternator cable.
The other circumstance is a short from the battery past the fuse, to the alternator cable.
If the fuse don't pop, you will probably have a fire.
See if it pops before you opt for 200.
When you are doing 2x factor amps, you have drastically raise the energy flow potential through the system, and with it, the risk of a fire from a short.
OK, I'll run a 175 fuse I bet it'll be OK. But I'll carry a few spares and a 200 just in case. Thanks Gear
still plays with trucks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 3
From: Twin Falls Idaho
dragging up an old thread here. I've got some questions. I'll set the stage here: 02 F550 no big stereo or any other odd loads, does have an 300 watt inverter to run the lap top if desired. Pulls a 37ft 5th wheel alot. 6 volt AGM batts in the RV, charged by 600 watts solar panels or regular converter.
my 02 F550 is eating alternators. Batteries were replaced in Feb of 2010. I replaced the first alternator on April of 2010. then Sept 2010, then March 2011, then July 2011 and now the damn Batt light is flickering again!
all of these were Napa lifetime rebuilds. even upgraded to a "better" one in March.
the output wire is evidently getting hot cause its black. I've replaced the ring end with a heavy copper lug and it still turns black. Will running another output wire help stop this? and if I do run a new output do I run a new wire to each battery? a fuse for each wire? If I run extra/upgraded ground wires do I need to run one from the alt case to both batteries? and lastly do I need to upgrade to a larger alt? something like the DC 185 or similar?
Thanks for the input
Barney
my 02 F550 is eating alternators. Batteries were replaced in Feb of 2010. I replaced the first alternator on April of 2010. then Sept 2010, then March 2011, then July 2011 and now the damn Batt light is flickering again!
all of these were Napa lifetime rebuilds. even upgraded to a "better" one in March.
the output wire is evidently getting hot cause its black. I've replaced the ring end with a heavy copper lug and it still turns black. Will running another output wire help stop this? and if I do run a new output do I run a new wire to each battery? a fuse for each wire? If I run extra/upgraded ground wires do I need to run one from the alt case to both batteries? and lastly do I need to upgrade to a larger alt? something like the DC 185 or similar?
Thanks for the input
Barney
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,055
Likes: 235
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
I just got a DCPower 190amp alt with the one wire upgrade and its been good so far only a couple weeks
but can tell its built better it also had a smaller pulley on it
heres some pics in this thread
but hol;w thread worth a read
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10773648
you may want the DCPower 250amp if you going to run alot on it
havent heard of anyone having any issues with them
and it was a direct bolt on plus no core to send so you keep your old alt as abackup
but can tell its built better it also had a smaller pulley on it
heres some pics in this thread
but hol;w thread worth a read
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10773648
you may want the DCPower 250amp if you going to run alot on it
havent heard of anyone having any issues with them
and it was a direct bolt on plus no core to send so you keep your old alt as abackup
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sanddriver
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
7
Apr 1, 2016 08:38 AM
kincfu
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Mar 9, 2016 11:20 AM
