Does radiator come out to replace alternator?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,138
Likes: 7
From: South Weber, Utah
That is how all shops do it, they charge the labor rates based on shop manuals. So if the job calls for 2.3 hours and they do it in 30 minutes they still charge 2.3 hours thats why i do all of my own wrenching.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,138
Likes: 7
From: South Weber, Utah
One thing a shop manual doesnt account for is the experience of the person doing the work and the short cuts that can be taken to speed the job up. You also pay for the convenience of having someone else taking care of your problem.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
I'll just take it as a learning experience, meaning FIND INTERNET AND CHECK IN WITH FTE BEFORE PULLING OUT CHECK BOOK! ! !
Two things had me at a disadvantage, one being the combo of ignorance, a crappy manual and no medium to become informed. The other being that I was stranded in a strange town with extreme temperatures with my trailer hooked to the truck and an unhappy wife... I was limited on choices, although I must say that if I knew then what I know now I would have probably tried to save my already stressed finances with a wrench.
Thanks for all your replies guys...
But one more thing before I move on here. Early on in this thread, someone posted that the Ford alternators are junk? That is the opposite of what they told me at Ford (of course). I'm not blaming them, btw, just trying to get more information on that. I'm personally not a fan of Autozone and/or Oreilys alternators (which were my choices where I was stranded) as I have found them to be unreliable. If I can't trust the Ford alternator, then please advise me or a viable alternative. Where would I find a quality, reliable replacement... Just in case I have to do this again anytime.
Thanks guys, T
Two things had me at a disadvantage, one being the combo of ignorance, a crappy manual and no medium to become informed. The other being that I was stranded in a strange town with extreme temperatures with my trailer hooked to the truck and an unhappy wife... I was limited on choices, although I must say that if I knew then what I know now I would have probably tried to save my already stressed finances with a wrench.
Thanks for all your replies guys...
But one more thing before I move on here. Early on in this thread, someone posted that the Ford alternators are junk? That is the opposite of what they told me at Ford (of course). I'm not blaming them, btw, just trying to get more information on that. I'm personally not a fan of Autozone and/or Oreilys alternators (which were my choices where I was stranded) as I have found them to be unreliable. If I can't trust the Ford alternator, then please advise me or a viable alternative. Where would I find a quality, reliable replacement... Just in case I have to do this again anytime.
Thanks guys, T
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
BUd I have the same manual Im thinking and it really for the 7.3L
I had dealer do mine once 500.00$$ thought I had warrenty
when you said radiator come out I figured you had 2 Alts???????
I was in your shoes once I was Pssed off to I could had the Biggest and Badest DC Power alternator out there
This wont help either the reman I got from Ford lasted less the n 5K and went 13months didnt drive much Boy was I pissed Never again so yes Ford Reman ALts are JUNK
You dont need the tensioner tool Either Iv released belt by hand and flip up the kickstand
Now I do it how Cheezit showed me too peice of CAKE
DC POWER ALL THE WAY you wont ever have to do it again
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
I hear ya man. No worries. The shop the OP used did not do anything illegal, only took advantage when given the opportunity.
I look at it from the perspective of the business plan for my shop. The same exact job on a Porsche 911 turbo according to shop hours and parts is $1400-$1500 (no joke - anything with Porsche on it is triple in price). I would never charge a customer that amount when it takes me the same amount of skill and time as it does for my F250. I like my customers coming back and most of them are relatively intelligent, so they want a good deal.
If most people are willing to pay the book time, then they would easily go to the dealership as opposed to an indy with less warranty..
I look at it from the perspective of the business plan for my shop. The same exact job on a Porsche 911 turbo according to shop hours and parts is $1400-$1500 (no joke - anything with Porsche on it is triple in price). I would never charge a customer that amount when it takes me the same amount of skill and time as it does for my F250. I like my customers coming back and most of them are relatively intelligent, so they want a good deal.
If most people are willing to pay the book time, then they would easily go to the dealership as opposed to an indy with less warranty..
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
this Ford is one of the easier alts Iv changed
here for next time
Simple Right
Cheezit pic below
And The Kickstand
You push bar far enough to flip kickstand up release bar and kickstand will stay
Now save your Pennies for a DC POwer you will be set
here for next time
Simple Right
Cheezit pic below
And The Kickstand
You push bar far enough to flip kickstand up release bar and kickstand will stay
Now save your Pennies for a DC POwer you will be set
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: AB,Can
I just got back a couple of weeks ago from a trip, towing my 12k fifth wheel and the alternator went out and left me stranded. I shut down the truck and camped out in Victorville, California as I didn't want to put any more stress on the FICM than necessary. I bought a repair manual and it said the radiator and clutch fan needed to come out to change the alternator. I really didn't want to go through a radiator pull on the side of the road in 106* temperatures so I waited till the Ford dealership opened Monday morning to have them do it...
They had me back on the road in about an hour but the labor bill was for 2.3 hours as they said they had an apprentice assistant help out...
My question is, did they really have to pull the radiator out to do this job? I find it amazing that they got it done that quickly. The only reason I am asking is simply so that if this should happen again I can make a more informed decision to either do it myself or pay a shop. The dealership charged me $614, including a Ford alternator.
Another question. Is an authentic Ford alternator worth the additional cost, compared to an aftermarket? I have heard that the aftermarket ones tend to not last too long.
Thanks, T
They had me back on the road in about an hour but the labor bill was for 2.3 hours as they said they had an apprentice assistant help out...
My question is, did they really have to pull the radiator out to do this job? I find it amazing that they got it done that quickly. The only reason I am asking is simply so that if this should happen again I can make a more informed decision to either do it myself or pay a shop. The dealership charged me $614, including a Ford alternator.
Another question. Is an authentic Ford alternator worth the additional cost, compared to an aftermarket? I have heard that the aftermarket ones tend to not last too long.
Thanks, T
Just disconnect plug and main charge cable, take out the 3 bolts on top holding the alternator in place and tilt the alternator forward, remove belt. Installation is reverse of removal..... just did an alternator swap a few months ago and literally took less than 10 minutes.... you don't even need to worry about the tensioner and it's little kickstand.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 2
Lots of dealerships, probably the vast majority, charge book rate. The book says 2.3, they charge 2.3, the mechanic gets paid 2.3, and if he beats the time he makes more $ per hour. If you want to get charged actual, then you take the risk that something breaks and it takes 5 hours, not 2.3. In the OP's case, they put two tech's on the job, one of them an apprentice, and got it done in an hour. Good for them to give you such great service!
Brian
Brian
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
If the book rate says 2.3 hours, and they charged you 2.3 hours, you've got nothing to complain about.
Why does the book say it takes 2.3 hours? First of all, sh|t happens. But more importantly, you're paying for diagnosing the problem, load testing the batteries, cleaning cables and connectors, pulling the alt from stock, returning the core, etc. It is far more than just pulling the bolts and slipping the belt.
Do it yourself, or pay the book rate. Simple and no room for complaints.
The shop helper story was just a way to answer a question that should never have been asked. I guess they could have let you sit in the waiting room for an extra 1.3 hours, just to avoid having to answer.
Why does the book say it takes 2.3 hours? First of all, sh|t happens. But more importantly, you're paying for diagnosing the problem, load testing the batteries, cleaning cables and connectors, pulling the alt from stock, returning the core, etc. It is far more than just pulling the bolts and slipping the belt.
Do it yourself, or pay the book rate. Simple and no room for complaints.
The shop helper story was just a way to answer a question that should never have been asked. I guess they could have let you sit in the waiting room for an extra 1.3 hours, just to avoid having to answer.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
Likes: 238
From: Saratoga Springs,UT
And quite possible that there maybe NO FIX for Those^^^^LOL
and definatly NO WARRENTY on that one
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 7
From: Francestown, NH
I believe the customer has the right to enquire about products used, why it was done a particular way, why it cost what it did/does, and why it took so long or was completed so quick.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Of course, all this assumes you were given an accurate estimate before the work was begun. In CA they are required by law to do that. So the time for the questions you suggest is before the work begins.