Alternator going out??
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 3,114
From: Jersey Shore
I've had mine on my truck for about 18 months, but there are others on the site who had run them longer, maybe a few years.
My exposure with the Leece-Neville goes back 3 decades. We had to run test programs with many different fleets, OTR, transit, emergency services, commercial, mining, etc and Pestolite units were always around. High output, long hour demand situations. While every brand has problem child's, the service personnel I talked with were complimentary about the brand. What I like about this unit is the engineering thought that went into it.
It a twin fan setup to make sure there is good airflow through the unit. I've shot my IR on the unit after an hour of running and it's not hotter then anything else under the hood. But if you running stock and going down the road in daytime your only demanding 25-30a. The other design factor is that the diodes are welded in place rather then soldered, so they are manufacturing for a commercial high temp environment rather then ease of manufacturing.
http://www.prestolite.com/literature...ons_FL1022.pdf
It would be hard for any boutique builder of alternators to build to this engineering level, IMO.
My exposure with the Leece-Neville goes back 3 decades. We had to run test programs with many different fleets, OTR, transit, emergency services, commercial, mining, etc and Pestolite units were always around. High output, long hour demand situations. While every brand has problem child's, the service personnel I talked with were complimentary about the brand. What I like about this unit is the engineering thought that went into it.
It a twin fan setup to make sure there is good airflow through the unit. I've shot my IR on the unit after an hour of running and it's not hotter then anything else under the hood. But if you running stock and going down the road in daytime your only demanding 25-30a. The other design factor is that the diodes are welded in place rather then soldered, so they are manufacturing for a commercial high temp environment rather then ease of manufacturing.
http://www.prestolite.com/literature...ons_FL1022.pdf
It would be hard for any boutique builder of alternators to build to this engineering level, IMO.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
Thanks Jack your experience and opinion is appreciated
and from your info it sounds as though they have addressed the Heat issue what is likely the most common cause for degradation and ultimately unit Failure
and from your info it sounds as though they have addressed the Heat issue what is likely the most common cause for degradation and ultimately unit Failure
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
Is you Battery light on
Mine is Not
Iv cleaned cables but Iv got to do a Couple more I don't suspect it will help but to be thuro it got to be done
But I can see voltage go down as the heat of the engine coming to temp and seems to drop lower as the heat of the day comes day on also maybe its in my imagination some but Iv watched numbers for along time on this rruck Thru multiple alternators now so my gut says its dying
even the startup volts is lower with longer to recover the initial GP cycle drain
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 3,114
From: Jersey Shore
Benny, how low is it going and where is the reading from?
Most modern alternators are built with temperature compensating regulators so the batteries are not overcharged in hot weather and boil off. You've had experience with this unit so I'm not doubting your observations, but I wonder if you got a combination of temp and harness ground resistance that may be at fault.
Lower startup voltage at these temps is not a good sign, but with these temps the batteries resistance is low so they accept more current then cooler weather, so it will take longer for the voltage to climb back up. Again, your truck, your observations over time are a credible source. Not trying to butt heads.
Most modern alternators are built with temperature compensating regulators so the batteries are not overcharged in hot weather and boil off. You've had experience with this unit so I'm not doubting your observations, but I wonder if you got a combination of temp and harness ground resistance that may be at fault.
Lower startup voltage at these temps is not a good sign, but with these temps the batteries resistance is low so they accept more current then cooler weather, so it will take longer for the voltage to climb back up. Again, your truck, your observations over time are a credible source. Not trying to butt heads.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 3,114
From: Jersey Shore
I look as these units as a Mack truck solution. They are designed and built for true commercial use. Mine came off the shelf as I said from a situation where the units ware being installed on Ambulance and Emergency Services units. While not from NYC, I've been to NYC fleet operations and the local Ford FSE that I also know services NYC. Those units he claims are basically never shut down and run with heavy electrical draw. I know NYC ate a lot of FICMs when they ran the 6.0L, and their equipment got upgraded I believe to these too. I'll have to ask him when I see him next.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
OBDII port
it struggles to make it into the 12volt range during the GP cycle its at 11.6-12.2 until GP kick off
Used to about bounce to 12+ immediately and be at 12.6+ at the end of GP cycle
then it will bounce to 13.6-13.8 range maybe a glimpse at 14.0 for a few during first 10 minutes or so
then steadily hangs around 13.2-13.4 after that with the occasional glimpse of 12.8 the 12.8 is very very brief and is back up to 13.2+ on the next SG update cycle so gauge reports that (12.8volt) for 3 seconds or so
I noticed this Last summer just not as low of voltage drop
For the sake of Trying to being thuro and buying something I don't need I will clean grounds off the battery and hydro test the batterys tomorrow
I had No Idea these alternators regulate for heat Makes perfect sense but its also complicates it to a degree you guys know what I mean
it struggles to make it into the 12volt range during the GP cycle its at 11.6-12.2 until GP kick off
Used to about bounce to 12+ immediately and be at 12.6+ at the end of GP cycle
then it will bounce to 13.6-13.8 range maybe a glimpse at 14.0 for a few during first 10 minutes or so
then steadily hangs around 13.2-13.4 after that with the occasional glimpse of 12.8 the 12.8 is very very brief and is back up to 13.2+ on the next SG update cycle so gauge reports that (12.8volt) for 3 seconds or so
I noticed this Last summer just not as low of voltage drop
For the sake of Trying to being thuro and buying something I don't need I will clean grounds off the battery and hydro test the batterys tomorrow
I had No Idea these alternators regulate for heat Makes perfect sense but its also complicates it to a degree you guys know what I mean
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: pflugerville tx
Is you Battery light on
Mine is Not
Iv cleaned cables but Iv got to do a Couple more I don't suspect it will help but to be thuro it got to be done
But I can see voltage go down as the heat of the engine coming to temp and seems to drop lower as the heat of the day comes day on also maybe its in my imagination some but Iv watched numbers for along time on this rruck Thru multiple alternators now so my gut says its dying
even the startup volts is lower with longer to recover the initial GP cycle drain
Mine is Not
Iv cleaned cables but Iv got to do a Couple more I don't suspect it will help but to be thuro it got to be done
But I can see voltage go down as the heat of the engine coming to temp and seems to drop lower as the heat of the day comes day on also maybe its in my imagination some but Iv watched numbers for along time on this rruck Thru multiple alternators now so my gut says its dying
even the startup volts is lower with longer to recover the initial GP cycle drain
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 5
Sorry for (years later, lol) just seeing this, but the short answer is yes. We match or beat on anything and everything!
Of course, the fact that we now rep for over 1100 different manufacturers is a solid bonus as well....
FICMRepair.com - FORD Powerstroke 6.0 FICM Repair, PHP Tuning and Truck Parts ftw!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MD_7.three
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Apr 8, 2019 10:07 AM
santacruzf250
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
12
Aug 19, 2008 09:55 PM
fordinmudd
Electrical Systems/Wiring
16
Nov 29, 2006 12:08 PM
06, 131, 1997, 2006, 777, altenator, alternator, expedition, f350, internation, low, out, reads, ripples, troubleshoot, truck, volts
