alternator help
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
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From: santa clarita
alternator help
Hey I have been having some serious issues with my truck and came across my alternator being burning hot after about running for 5 min? Is this normal or is it just supposed to be warm? Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
If your batteries are drained out, the alternator will get too hot to touch as it's charging them back up.
Don't expect it to remain cold, even if everything is OK, it's hot under the hood and generating electricity also generates heat.
Don't expect it to remain cold, even if everything is OK, it's hot under the hood and generating electricity also generates heat.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
I'd put a multimeter on the batteries when you start the vehicle first thing in the day...If the voltage regulator has failed in the alternator, then it would run hot and overcharge the batteries. You could drive it by a a good starter/alternator shop locally and they will generally check them for free.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 122
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From: santa clarita
ok so i started my truck this morning and put my meter on... at 8:22 i read 12.15, at 8:24 i read 12.07 at 8:27 i read 14.46 and at 8:30 14.51. anybody know if this is normal?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 2
From: D.C. but heart's in TEXAS
Where did you put the meter on...at the battery terminals? Did you check both batteries? One battery could have gone bad. Worse case is, take it to any major auto parts shop and they'll check it all for you for free. Make sure to check with the truck OFF first, then also while it is running.
How old / many miles are on your alternator? Mine just went out after 11 years and 102k miles, which is a FANTASTIC life for an alternator (IMHO). It could be that your belt tension is a bit loose which could be your tensioner or the belt wearing out.
BTW...make sure to put your location on your profile so people can see where you're at. You never know, someone from the FTE Brotherhood might be close by to lend a hand.
How old / many miles are on your alternator? Mine just went out after 11 years and 102k miles, which is a FANTASTIC life for an alternator (IMHO). It could be that your belt tension is a bit loose which could be your tensioner or the belt wearing out.
BTW...make sure to put your location on your profile so people can see where you're at. You never know, someone from the FTE Brotherhood might be close by to lend a hand.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
Hey, if your regulator is charging properly, then you would typically see 14.4 +/- volts at the bats.
One would think if it was over charging, the voltage at the bats would be 15 or higher.
As long as the truck cranks up everyday with a good spin and the voltage is 14.4 after start-up, I would say all is well.
Good luck,
One would think if it was over charging, the voltage at the bats would be 15 or higher.
As long as the truck cranks up everyday with a good spin and the voltage is 14.4 after start-up, I would say all is well.
Good luck,
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Oct 1, 2003 10:57 PM