Alternator
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Clinton, MI
Alternator
My truck just ate it's 3rd alternator in 3 years (1st was on the truck when I got it - maybe OEM?, second was from O'Reilly, 3rd was a local rebuild). I'm sure this has been discussed many times but I'm currently at work and don't have the time to search. Can anyone point me in the direction of a high quality high output alternator option? I've heard of DB electric, Mean Green, etc.... good, bad, others? Not in huge rush to get this done as I have another vehicle so would like to do it right this time, anything else I need to upgrade (wires, connections, etc.?)
Thanks,
Thanks,
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
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From: Western AR
Need to figure out what is eating those alternators up....Check your belt tension. You may need to replace the belt tensioner and belt. A loose belt CAN cause the alternator to fail over time.
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Senior User
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From: Clinton, MI
I'm not sure I understand how a loose belt could cause it to fail? If it would loose the belt could slip and cause the alternator to not charge or charge intermittently. If the belt was too tight I could see it wearing out bearings, etc. faster. Either way I'll take a look at it tonight.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
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From: La La Land
Why do you need an upgrade to the available output current?
The 6G OEM unit at 105-amps is usually more-than-adequate for the truck's needs unless you have a LOT of aftermarket additions.
Bigger isn't always better.
Pop
The 6G OEM unit at 105-amps is usually more-than-adequate for the truck's needs unless you have a LOT of aftermarket additions.
Bigger isn't always better.
Pop
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Clinton, MI
Some options I found over lunch:
DB Electrical - High Output
2003-99 FORD 7.3L DIESEL
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/vafproduc...rstroke+Diesel
6G Series High Output Alternator with Extra Heavy Duty Components
Any Opinions?
DB Electrical - High Output
2003-99 FORD 7.3L DIESEL
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/vafproduc...rstroke+Diesel
6G Series High Output Alternator with Extra Heavy Duty Components
Any Opinions?
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Senior User
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From: Clinton, MI
I don't run a ton of accessories - some additional running lights, CB, in dash touchscreen stereo/GPS, amp with sub
My main reasoning is that it should follow that a higher output alternator would have upgraded internals/bearings etc. and therefore be more robust/reliable (I'm sure this is not necessarily true). By all means if you can point me to a well built stock output unit please do.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
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From: North of Greenville
I'm running two brand new aftermarket alternators... a 165 amp unit from DB Electrical with an external bridge rectifier on my F250, and 180 amp unit from Nations Auto Electric on my Excursion. No troubles out of either after 1-2 years of running. If I had to do it again, I would go back with another one from Nations because it is a true bolt in replacement. I had to do a bit of grinding on the bracket for the one from DB.
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From: Clinton, MI
I'm running two brand new aftermarket alternators... a 165 amp unit from DB Electrical with an external bridge rectifier on my F250, and 180 amp unit from Nations Auto Electric on my Excursion. No troubles out of either after 1-2 years of running. If I had to do it again, I would go back with another one from Nations because it is a true bolt in replacement. I had to do a bit of grinding on the bracket for the one from DB.
TAD High Amp Ford Diesel Alternator- Nations High Amp Alternators
Looks like Nations is also a distributor for DC Power Engineering
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: La La Land
Yes, you SHOULD get more than a YEAR out of a quality rebuild! In fact, you didn't even get that!
That is, if it WAS a QUALITY rebuild to begin with, and not just "warmed-over".
Since this shop's local reputation is on the line, he might-well be "persuaded" to do it over, right, under warranty!
It doesn't hurt to ask him.
However, if you have lots of additional off-road lighting or something similar, I wonder a bit about his obligation, unless he knew yours wasn't a stock truck.
Pop
That is, if it WAS a QUALITY rebuild to begin with, and not just "warmed-over".
Since this shop's local reputation is on the line, he might-well be "persuaded" to do it over, right, under warranty!
It doesn't hurt to ask him.
However, if you have lots of additional off-road lighting or something similar, I wonder a bit about his obligation, unless he knew yours wasn't a stock truck.
Pop
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
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From: North of Greenville
would this be the right page for Nations? didn't see a 180 amp unit listed...
TAD High Amp Ford Diesel Alternator- Nations High Amp Alternators
Looks like Nations is also a distributor for DC Power Engineering
TAD High Amp Ford Diesel Alternator- Nations High Amp Alternators
Looks like Nations is also a distributor for DC Power Engineering
The 180 amp units have been up-rated to 190 since I got mine. And, yes, that is the unit.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Walla Walla, Wa
If you're still on the fence about what to do, I've got a DC power inc. 190a OEM series in my truck that i've had for over a year with no problems, and i run high output headlights, foglights, 2 air compressors, and a thousand watt stereo and rarely see my volts dip below 14 cold and 13.5 hot
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From: Clinton, MI
Well it looks like any warranty is out of the question, the rebuild shop closed up a few months ago.....however I'm not entirely sure I was on the right track anyway -
When the truck wouldn't start I just assumed the alternator had quit charging. "Timeline":
the battery light had been flickering for a few days (after start up, then would go away once the truck warmed up) - similar to the last few alternator failures.
Put the battery charger on when I got home from work, was showing 45 amps - thought the alt might have a short so pulled the hot lead on the back of the alt - battery charger dropped to ~40
Checked the charger the next day after work (~24hours) and it was showing under 5 amps - unhooked charger
about a week later I went out to start the truck to turn it around (figured the batteries should have enough to accomplish that) opened the door and had no interior lights - dead
The batteries in the truck are Die Hard Platinums ~2years old (DieHard Platinum Battery : Buy High-Performance Battery at Sears)
So either I wounded these batteries by driving too long without an alt and now they wont hold a charge or I have a short/draw somewhere in the truck - does this sound right? Where do I go from here? Take the batteries in or chase something else?
When the truck wouldn't start I just assumed the alternator had quit charging. "Timeline":
the battery light had been flickering for a few days (after start up, then would go away once the truck warmed up) - similar to the last few alternator failures.
Put the battery charger on when I got home from work, was showing 45 amps - thought the alt might have a short so pulled the hot lead on the back of the alt - battery charger dropped to ~40
Checked the charger the next day after work (~24hours) and it was showing under 5 amps - unhooked charger
about a week later I went out to start the truck to turn it around (figured the batteries should have enough to accomplish that) opened the door and had no interior lights - dead
The batteries in the truck are Die Hard Platinums ~2years old (DieHard Platinum Battery : Buy High-Performance Battery at Sears)
So either I wounded these batteries by driving too long without an alt and now they wont hold a charge or I have a short/draw somewhere in the truck - does this sound right? Where do I go from here? Take the batteries in or chase something else?
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
It's easy enough to get the batts load tested, so I would start there.
I assume that you've already checked your cable ends and lug connections to make sure there is not some creeping corrosion.
I assume that you've already checked your cable ends and lug connections to make sure there is not some creeping corrosion.