Well, I need to replace my alternator again. Apparantley they're only good for less than 2 years lol.(Motorcraft) Going with a DC Power this time, but I was curious as to their reliability? I do some moderate snowplowing with my truck and do power an amp and such for my stereo. How long do these units tend to last under these conditions? And which one is more popular for the 6.0? Thanks again.

 

I got ya beat 13 months on Motocraft I just dont think those stock ones can take the amps and stuff

I went with the 190amp DC Power unit with the wire upgrade

I havent had it a year yet but so far so good when I got it I could tell it was built way better smaller pulley and better guts

 

Here's a thought...and it's more or less off the top of my head. The guys that keep having alternator issues, how many of y'all are running dual alternators? I seem to remember the chassis cab rigs that became ambulances and bucket trucks were the common application for the dual alternators. Maybe if you were function with those there wouldn't be such a load on a single alternator and they'd live longer? Just wondering.

 

IDK Zach

the way I see it would be more trouble than its worth to add a second alternator . shure it would help no doubt but the trucks just not setup for it wire harness stuff like that. I just think a Good preformance alternator is the best easiest way to go

I really think the issue is the motocraft ones are rebuilt and there using cheap parts in them. And really motocraft alt is barly making enough power to run a stock truck. they get a good workout for the first few.

Dont get me wrong the stock alternator is ok for a stock truck. Im SHURE I caused my own GREIF on this one oh well water under the bridge now

I mean Iv had stereos in my cars for the last 20 years and never took an alternator out in 13 months [I shouldnt say it went out but 13 months is when the light started poping on] it was only putting 12 volts out in the end probably 16 months but still the Fastest Iv ever went thru an alternator.

Now this DC Power I have I dont think it even works hard to power all my stuff. mainly my stereo its got Bigger wire to the amps than the main Battery wires. so it can suck some power if I crank it.

heres some pics of the wireupgrade that I got with it. if you dont want to pay for the upgrade wire you can make your own easy enough but check it out

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - BLADE35's Album: DC Power Alternator & Wire Upgrade

 

Wow 13 months...what a POS!! I'm not even gonna bother with a stock one this time.

 

I guess I'm a "design kind of guy"...what was it designed for is how I think. But then I'm just happy with the stock horsepower, and I'm "too old" to crank the music up loud. I agree, allot of the re-manufactured parts we're getting these days are substandard. I think it goes back to where they're getting rebuilt...I'll let you draw your own conclusion at this point. Thank you for hearing me out on my thoughts on the single/dual alternator issue.

 

The trucks w/ dual alternators have different PCM programs than those w/ single alternators.

Ford does make a 140A alternator (vs 110A OEM unit) that is part of the dual alternator system, but it works fine by itself.

 

I had no idea that they did. Do you have a part# by chance Mark? Do you have to modify anything to run the 140amp?

 

Alternator - 140A (F series) 6C3Z-10346-BARM

No modification needed.

 

Thanks again Mark. I can't rep you again yet, cause I still gotta spread some around...

 

Glad to help.

Just as an FYI - I am in the camp that the DC Power alternators are worth getting. I know that they are expensive though and maybe the 140A from Ford is a good option. I just don't know what you can expect from longevity on it (no experience with it). I do think that the 110A unit is undersized.

 

Well said. It's definetley undersized, even for the stock load the truck has. Thanks again

 

I just ordered the 190 amp DC Power Alternator for my truck. Should have it in a week or so. Didn't get the upgraded wiring as it didn't appear I NEEDED it. Also, sounds like I got lucky with my stock alternator.....157,000+ miles and that includes running a larger size amp, a compressor for the air system and a few other minor electrical items. It does appear to be showing signs of wear though....checked it the other day and it was at the low end of being in the acceptable range (just over 12volts).

Not sure I'll notice a difference but I'll feel better knowing I have a new upgraded alternator.

 

No kiddden

I looked up ther milage on it and the motocraft reman went 13months and 10K miles

If you can swing it I think DC Power makes a solid product

 

Another big heck yea for DC Power. Here goes at work we have three service trucks f-250's with v-10 motors. so I was sitting with the section chief a few weeks back two of the tecs were bitchin about how long it takes to jump with our service trucks. You know when you have a moment of brilliance, I did and said I can fix that problem and here is how, I ordered three of the 270 max 200 idle amp units. got them 4 or 5 days later and the guys installed them. So its been pretty warm here so not a big need till today to jump stuff, two guys were out in the lot trying to start a dump with dead batts I was walking the lot and ask how it was going they advised just hooked it up figured it will take about 15 min before we can even try to turn it over. I ask if they tried yet they said no so I jumped in the service truck spun it up to 2K and had them hit it. It spun like the bats were new after about 45 seconds it fired. the guys were impressed and frankly so was I.
Dont know how the longevety will be using them like this but if they all three get us through the winter without failing the time savings in labor hours will be well worth the cost!!!