Alternator difficulties
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Alternator difficulties
I've had some recent problems with an alternator and thought someone here could help.
It started with a dead battery, jumped it and no big deal. A couple of days later, same thing except it died while running. I changed out the battery (late at night, so not too many options) and that seemed to clear it up.
Then I started to get Emission control lights going off. When I checked the codes it was saying low voltage, and there was a second code relating to voltage. So I had the alternator checked, it was putting out about 13.5 - 13.8 volts, but there was an erratic "flow" of electricity - can't remember the exact term they used, but the said it sounded like a diode was going bad.
So, I bought a new alternator and went to install it - and the hookups are completely different. Took it back, and had them check to make sure it was correct. According to their computers it was, and all of the pictures showed the same hookups as the one they sold me. I will take a picture of mine tonight, but the main "plug" seems different, and mine also has a second, little plug (like a jumper) that is there as well.
Since neither of the local shops (Autozone or Advanced Auto) seem to have an alternator like this it's a little odd. I am going to clean all surfaces real well to make sure there no issue there (although nothing looks out of whack). Has anyone else had an issue like this?
Thanks!
It started with a dead battery, jumped it and no big deal. A couple of days later, same thing except it died while running. I changed out the battery (late at night, so not too many options) and that seemed to clear it up.
Then I started to get Emission control lights going off. When I checked the codes it was saying low voltage, and there was a second code relating to voltage. So I had the alternator checked, it was putting out about 13.5 - 13.8 volts, but there was an erratic "flow" of electricity - can't remember the exact term they used, but the said it sounded like a diode was going bad.
So, I bought a new alternator and went to install it - and the hookups are completely different. Took it back, and had them check to make sure it was correct. According to their computers it was, and all of the pictures showed the same hookups as the one they sold me. I will take a picture of mine tonight, but the main "plug" seems different, and mine also has a second, little plug (like a jumper) that is there as well.
Since neither of the local shops (Autozone or Advanced Auto) seem to have an alternator like this it's a little odd. I am going to clean all surfaces real well to make sure there no issue there (although nothing looks out of whack). Has anyone else had an issue like this?
Thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
The 13.5-13.8V that was measured, was that at idle or while driving along with revs higher than idle?
I believe the alternators that are single wire are 'self-excited'.
If you have the option to return the alternator you bought, I would buy a Large Case 6G Series Alternator, with heavy duty single internal rectifier.
Like the F1-6G-HD140 / F1-6G-HD160 / F1-6G-HD200 sold here:
6G Series Heavy Duty Bridge Rectifier High Output Alternator
I believe the alternators that are single wire are 'self-excited'.
If you have the option to return the alternator you bought, I would buy a Large Case 6G Series Alternator, with heavy duty single internal rectifier.
Like the F1-6G-HD140 / F1-6G-HD160 / F1-6G-HD200 sold here:
6G Series Heavy Duty Bridge Rectifier High Output Alternator
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 695
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Pic's would probably help.
But on my 7.3L - alternator went out and I picked up my replacement from O'rielly (new not re-man.)
I'll post pic's of mine later - but mine had the internal diode fail which was causing the charging issue's.
Your symptoms sound a lot like what I was seeing. Idle was charging fine - but any time I got near 2000rpm, the light started flickering on the dash.
But on my 7.3L - alternator went out and I picked up my replacement from O'rielly (new not re-man.)
I'll post pic's of mine later - but mine had the internal diode fail which was causing the charging issue's.
Your symptoms sound a lot like what I was seeing. Idle was charging fine - but any time I got near 2000rpm, the light started flickering on the dash.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
81fordf-250
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
6
Mar 23, 2006 09:01 AM
