alternator temp ??
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
alternator temp ??
Well I have my truck up and running but I went to lean on my alt to check things and it was HOT to the touch after just starting it up about 4 minutes. Or is it because it is recoving from start up? I am worried it is going bad. Bearings or diode. But my voltage is 13.5 -13.7 volts after 2 minute of start up.
I am just worried since I am leaving for RRE tomorrow in the am with the family in the truck.
So have any of you guys had this type of issue. I'm going to take it for a drive and check temp and voltage as soon as I post.
I am just worried since I am leaving for RRE tomorrow in the am with the family in the truck.
So have any of you guys had this type of issue. I'm going to take it for a drive and check temp and voltage as soon as I post.
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From: Gary,Indiana
Thanks Scott !!
I didn't remember if it was like that beforeand it has been out of service for 8 mths. And I guess I am just being paranoid since I just got her back on the road 2 days ago and I am about to take a 600 mile trip with the family. And the last thing I need is to be dead on the side of the road with the wife and a 4 yr old in truck.
Thanks brother !!
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I didn't remember if it was like that beforeand it has been out of service for 8 mths. And I guess I am just being paranoid since I just got her back on the road 2 days ago and I am about to take a 600 mile trip with the family. And the last thing I need is to be dead on the side of the road with the wife and a 4 yr old in truck.Thanks brother !!
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From: Gary,Indiana
Not that I really understand it but it does help put my mind at ease.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: New Hampton, IA
I would try to help put your mind at ease but I am no good at that. I always get worried before I go on a big trip too and it always turns out just fine.
If you are really worried call your insurance company and see if they can get you tow insurance, it was only a couple bucks to add it to my insurance. At least that way you can get your truck to a place where you can help yourself.
See I am no good at making people feel better. I am sure you will be fine, and there are a ton of good guys where you are headed that can help out if you would need it.
If you are really worried call your insurance company and see if they can get you tow insurance, it was only a couple bucks to add it to my insurance. At least that way you can get your truck to a place where you can help yourself.
See I am no good at making people feel better. I am sure you will be fine, and there are a ton of good guys where you are headed that can help out if you would need it.
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From: Gary,Indiana
I would try to help put your mind at ease but I am no good at that. I always get worried before I go on a big trip too and it always turns out just fine.
If you are really worried call your insurance company and see if they can get you tow insurance, it was only a couple bucks to add it to my insurance. At least that way you can get your truck to a place where you can help yourself.
See I am no good at making people feel better. I am sure you will be fine, and there are a ton of good guys where you are headed that can help out if you would need it.
If you are really worried call your insurance company and see if they can get you tow insurance, it was only a couple bucks to add it to my insurance. At least that way you can get your truck to a place where you can help yourself.
See I am no good at making people feel better. I am sure you will be fine, and there are a ton of good guys where you are headed that can help out if you would need it.
LOLBut I do have full coverage towing , rental. But I hope to never need it. I'm bringing tools 2 jump units and I am thinking of grabbing a battery too.
And I am glad I am not alone as far as worring before a trip with the family. Back when I was young I would go across country in a beater car or truck. And many times fixing them on the side of the road. I just thought that was something you had to do. Boy was I young and dumb.
Now I am old and worried... but I do trust my old truck just not the alt.
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(I^2)R is the technical math formula for energy losses from heat. I is current through a wire, R is resistance of the wire (added for each inch).
In an alternator (generator, motor), there are very long runs of wire. Your alternator has about a quarter mile (or more) of wire for each phase. The alternator has three phases. The current going through those wires creates the heat you feel. Alternators are designed to account for heat (remember, they live under the hood).
To know if the alt is working, you have to check the voltage output. Voltage output or vibration (manifesting as noise) will be the first signs of problems. You have good voltage output, so don't worry about the alternator.
I don't believe you will have any alternator related trouble, but, tow insurance will bring peace of mind in the unlikely event of trouble from another source.
In an alternator (generator, motor), there are very long runs of wire. Your alternator has about a quarter mile (or more) of wire for each phase. The alternator has three phases. The current going through those wires creates the heat you feel. Alternators are designed to account for heat (remember, they live under the hood).
To know if the alt is working, you have to check the voltage output. Voltage output or vibration (manifesting as noise) will be the first signs of problems. You have good voltage output, so don't worry about the alternator.
I don't believe you will have any alternator related trouble, but, tow insurance will bring peace of mind in the unlikely event of trouble from another source.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Monroe Michigan
I was under the my hood just last night changing the O-ring on the dog house.
I touched the alternator with my forearm and instantly got burnt
. and that was after the truck sat for a couple hours with the hood open.
I was surprised like you on just how hot the alternator get.
I touched the alternator with my forearm and instantly got burnt
. and that was after the truck sat for a couple hours with the hood open.I was surprised like you on just how hot the alternator get.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
I was under the my hood just last night changing the O-ring on the dog house.
I touched the alternator with my forearm and instantly got burnt. and that was after the truck sat for a couple hours with the hood open.
I was surprised like you on just how hot the alternator get.
I touched the alternator with my forearm and instantly got burnt
. and that was after the truck sat for a couple hours with the hood open.I was surprised like you on just how hot the alternator get.
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