Dual alternator replacement
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dual alternator replacement
Ok, I picked up a DC Power 185 Amp alternator on December 31 to replace a failing alternator in my '03 F-350. It arrived last night and I went to go do the job this morning, popped the hood, and realized I had dual alternators. I guess I should've looked! So I just ordered a second 185 amp alternator from DC Power, and it's on it's way. So here's the questions: 1) I assume they are identical? Nothing on DC Power showed anything different for the secondary alternator on a 6.0L engine, though it did for the 7.3L. 2) Any tips or tricks for replacing the second one? I pulled up the chapter in the Ford service DVD, and it looks very straightforward... just want to make sure I'm not missing anything with the second alternator replacement.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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The secondary alternator is usually a 4G with the main alternator being a 6G. You might need to get a 3G/4G to 6G adapter to run a DC alternator on the bottom.
Might be an issue with clearance too.
Josh
Might be an issue with clearance too.
Josh
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Hmm... that's not really what I wanted to hear. Is that adapter something you'd find at CarQuest? The alternators LOOK to me to be the same size... so we'll see what happens!
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Josh
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The "G" roughly stands for Generation in Alternator Speak. In loose terms and there are variations 1960-1980 is 1G, 1980-1992 is 2G, 1992-2001ish is 3G, but 4G is 1996+ and 6G is 1999+
No 5G.
How does the mounting look on the dual alternator? Is there clearance behind the lower alternator?
In all likelyhood, if the 6G fits, you'll need a conversion harness to go from the 4G to 6G.
3G and 4G use the same connector, 2G is very similar and 6G is totally different.
Josh
No 5G.
How does the mounting look on the dual alternator? Is there clearance behind the lower alternator?
In all likelyhood, if the 6G fits, you'll need a conversion harness to go from the 4G to 6G.
3G and 4G use the same connector, 2G is very similar and 6G is totally different.
Josh
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Dave, if the trucks still apart see if the one you took out will fit in the lower spot. That should tell the story.
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
I never took the truck apart at all... popped the fan shroud off and saw the second alternator, put the fan shroud back on and closed the hood... figured I didn't want to replace only one and then drive the truck for two weeks in case the second was the bad one, or they were both bad, and end up killing the new alternator. Maybe that wouldn't actually happen... dunno. Just figured there wasn't any point in replacing either of them until I could replace both since there were two to be replaced.
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Any way to get a camera in there and take some pics? I'm not coming up with anything doing Google Image searches on Dual alternators.
Not finding much on anyone upgrading the secondary alternator either. Does it take a seperate drive belt or does it use the same serpentine?
Josh
Not finding much on anyone upgrading the secondary alternator either. Does it take a seperate drive belt or does it use the same serpentine?
Josh
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
From the factory, a dual alternator option does exist. On models so equipped, the upper alternator is a 140 amp unit while the lower alternator is a 120 amp unit that uses its own separate drive belt, belt tensioner and two additional idler pulleys.
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
So Mike, any idea if using two DC Power 185 amp alternators will work for replacing both OEM alternators? Anything I'll need beyond the two new alternators and the existing wiring?
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Definately a clearance issue using a 6G style case in lower mount. I see a 6 rib pulley on the secondary versus the 8 rib of the primary.
4G connector (of course) on the secondary.
So hopefully DC sends out a 4G case for you Dave as the 6G uses the large pattern.
I also see the CAC hot side pipe is clearanced for the alternator as well.
Josh
4G connector (of course) on the secondary.
So hopefully DC sends out a 4G case for you Dave as the 6G uses the large pattern.
I also see the CAC hot side pipe is clearanced for the alternator as well.
Josh