Does radiator come out to replace alternator?
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
Does radiator come out to replace alternator?
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
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,337
Likes: 346
From: Breckenridge, TX
For a 6.0L? Oh heck no. Heave on the fan belt, three bolts and some wiring, swap the alts and put it back together. 5 minute job, seriously. If you don't like the "heave" method, a tool is only $15. It has to be 1/2" square, thin and have a 45* offset, so most breaker bars won't work for this.
http://www.amazon.com/Performance-To.../dp/B0002KO3YM
Ford alternators have a reputation for sucking, if you can swing the cost DC Power is very popular.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Performance-To.../dp/B0002KO3YM
Ford alternators have a reputation for sucking, if you can swing the cost DC Power is very popular.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,715
Likes: 1
to do it the engineered way, yes. i have done several just by pulling the belt off by hand from the alternator pulley (eat your spinach and wheaties) and then he-man it back on after you swap the alternator. you can definitely do it yourself.
it helps if you have a long prybar or extension so you can reach down and push the tensioner to aid in pulling the belt up around the alternator pulley. 2 people makes this much easier, you can have a very hard time trying to do it by yourself although its not impossible.
it helps if you have a long prybar or extension so you can reach down and push the tensioner to aid in pulling the belt up around the alternator pulley. 2 people makes this much easier, you can have a very hard time trying to do it by yourself although its not impossible.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
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...
Thanks, T[/QUOTE]
Good thing they didn't have all the salespeople help too!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, T[/QUOTE]
Good thing they didn't have all the salespeople help too!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
I asked how it got done so fast, being that the labor was 2.3 hours. They said they used the recommended labor in their reference book... Well I guess I got screwed... Hmph. Damned Haines manual.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 7
From: Francestown, NH
Quick ... run out and get the morning after pill .... you just got you-know-what!
A mechanic and a helper to swap an alternator ... and they had the ***** to make you pay for the helper too
I can see this job taking 45mins in a home shop where tools may have to be retrieved from storage or something .... but in a pro shop where everything is within reach and they can do the belt tensioner in their sleep then an alternator can't be more than 20mins.
Unless they had to walk all the way down to the parts dept to get the alternator. They stopped for a coke at the vending machine. Then they bull****ted with the hottie in accounting for a half hour. Then they had a smoke at the picnic table under the tree out the back of the building. Then, maybe, would it be 2.3hrs.
A mechanic and a helper to swap an alternator ... and they had the ***** to make you pay for the helper too
I can see this job taking 45mins in a home shop where tools may have to be retrieved from storage or something .... but in a pro shop where everything is within reach and they can do the belt tensioner in their sleep then an alternator can't be more than 20mins.
Unless they had to walk all the way down to the parts dept to get the alternator. They stopped for a coke at the vending machine. Then they bull****ted with the hottie in accounting for a half hour. Then they had a smoke at the picnic table under the tree out the back of the building. Then, maybe, would it be 2.3hrs.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
Me thinks the service manager is going to receive a phone call, real soon... Like tomorrow morning. I'd have come to you guys for advice back then but I didn't have an internet connection. There're wolves out there.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
For a 6.0L? Oh heck no. Heave on the fan belt, three bolts and some wiring, swap the alts and put it back together. 5 minute job, seriously. If you don't like the "heave" method, a tool is only $15. It has to be 1/2" square, thin and have a 45* offset, so most breaker bars won't work for this.
Performance Tool Serpentine Belt Tool,Model# W84010 : Amazon.com : Automotive
Ford alternators have a reputation for sucking, if you can swing the cost DC Power is very popular.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
Performance Tool Serpentine Belt Tool,Model# W84010 : Amazon.com : Automotive
Ford alternators have a reputation for sucking, if you can swing the cost DC Power is very popular.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/
The 6.0 is more off-set... (whatever angle this is on the left)
Josh
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
HB sells a 1/2" ratchet that extends and works perfect for the job. No special tool necessary.
OP...the alternator on these trucks are by far the easiest I have replaced. It should realistically take 30-45 minutes for a competent person/mechanic. I am still scratching my head about the radiator and fan removal!
OP...the alternator on these trucks are by far the easiest I have replaced. It should realistically take 30-45 minutes for a competent person/mechanic. I am still scratching my head about the radiator and fan removal!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
You got charged book time and your truck was fixed. I don't see what beef you have with the service manager.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
They took advantage of a guy in distress in a bad situation, and I am pretty sure they know the OP had no idea what was involved at the time.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
The whole point is the radiator and fan does not need to be pulled. They made that up and included it in the price and you are supporting it. I have my own shop and would never charge anybody more than what is required, and also explain everything that is involved. This is what competent mechanics do!
If you don't mind getting screwed by a shop, then you need not say any more. It is as simple as that.