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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

alternator issues

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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 01:13 PM
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frenchy107
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alternator issues

my alternator on my 89 f150 with a 300 keeps melting the wires that lead over to the starter solinoid on the fender, im using a 12 gauge wire at the moment, should o go to a thicker wire? or find an old harness from a boneyard?
 
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 01:35 PM
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rla2005
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Your previous post ( https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...or-issues.html )led me to believe you were not getting any alternator output?

That 12 gauge wire is only good for roughly 20 amps. Yes I know the factory has seriously under sized the wire but it will not hold up to a long term current draw. Your alternator is most likely a 60 or 75 amp model. If something is drawing a large amount of current that wimpy charge wire is going to melt.

I suggest you find out what is drawing so much current. Have you installed accessories such as extra lights, winch, amplifier, etc.? Once you have the current draw issue resolved you might consider a 3G alternator and larger charge wire upgrade. The 2G alternator connector is a documented fire hazard.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 02:07 PM
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no additional accessories have been installed, i keep the upgrade in mind, gonna try to rig something for now
 
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