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alternator tips?

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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 10:40 PM
  #1  
davbeisner's Avatar
davbeisner
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alternator tips?

I'm ordering a DC Power 185 Amp alternator on Monday for my '03 F-350. The stock alternator is having trouble keeping up with the engine and I think that's what's causing it to idle rough. The shop which checked it out for me (supposedly the BEST diesel shop in Colorado) said the whole truck checked out perfect except for the alternator...

Anyway, I've got the Ford service software so swapping it should be a breeze... any tips you guys might have to make the process go more easily or quickly? I've not done the alternator on one of these trucks before, but I've done a couple on smaller cars and Jeeps. These definitely are easier to get at! Any tips specific to the DC Power alternators?

Also, this '03 truck had a complete engine rebuild in '06, and I'm still not clear from the guy who did it exactly what parts are '03 and what parts are '06. They bought a complete new engine from the Ford factory in '06, so I'm assuming it was an '06 engine. Anything different between the '03 and the '06 in regards to the alternator that I need to be concerned about before placing my order?

Thanks!
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 10:50 PM
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Upgrade the Wires

here what DC Gave me

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - BLADE35's Album: DC Power Alternator & Wire Upgrade

Few Pics^^^^^
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 10:57 PM
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From: Spanaway
You may want to look for a post of how to do the belt
the easy way. Was that post by M-Chan or Cheezit ?
Anyway it shows a very easy way to do the belt. While you
have things off be sure to clean the ground points.

Sean
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 10:59 PM
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Theres a Pick of the KickStand on the belt tensioner in my Pics
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:03 PM
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this one???????????????





And then the Kickstand you flip up is in My Pics Link
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:03 PM
  #6  
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Saw it, thanks for the pics Benny!
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:09 PM
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Dave I thinking they use a even Bigger wire upgrade for the 250amp and 270amp Alternators

DC Threw in the wire I had in the pic

IDK How much they sell for But I think Places like NAPA will Make you whatever you want and Crimp the ends real nice and professional Looking and might save a Buck or two

If you have Napa do the wire Ask DC What size Fuse you will need

IDK if you noticed but mine has a Fusable Link in it
 
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Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:21 PM
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From: Spanaway
Benny,
That is the one. So that was you. OOPS
On the wire you can also stop at a welding
shop and have then make up a set and crimp
then for you. To make is look really nice use
some heat shrink on the ends to clean things up.
AND don't forget the fusible link.
What is a Fusible Link?
A fusible link is a short piece of insulated
low-voltage cable within an automotive wiring harness that is designed
to protect the harness in applications where a fuse is unsuitable. In an
extreme current overload situation, the conductor within the link is melted
while the ensuing flame and spark is contained within the link's insulation.

For more see this link
Weather Pack Environmentally Sealed Connectors | Weatherpack Terminals and Seals | White Products Cleveland Ohio

Sean
 
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 12:03 AM
  #9  
davbeisner's Avatar
davbeisner
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Sweet, thanks for the tips!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 12:23 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Yahiko
Benny,
That is the one. So that was you. OOPS
On the wire you can also stop at a welding
shop and have then make up a set and crimp
then for you. To make is look really nice use
some heat shrink on the ends to clean things up.
AND don't forget the fusible link.
What is a Fusible Link?
A fusible link is a short piece of insulated
low-voltage cable within an automotive wiring harness that is designed
to protect the harness in applications where a fuse is unsuitable. In an
extreme current overload situation, the conductor within the link is melted
while the ensuing flame and spark is contained within the link's insulation.
For more see this link
Weather Pack Environmentally Sealed Connectors | Weatherpack Terminals and Seals | White Products Cleveland Ohio

Sean

No you was right it was Cheezits Picture
 
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Old Dec 31, 2012 | 03:35 PM
  #11  
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davbeisner
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Just called in my order at DC Power today... guy I talked to said that they were in stock and would be out the door by Wednesday or Thursday since tomorrow's a holiday. Already got my UPS tracking number in my inbox, so I'm happy!
 
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