Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

KEEP FRYING ALTERNATOR?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 09:51 AM
  #1  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
KEEP FRYING ALTERNATOR?

Morning all, just went through another alt, 3rd in 5 months, checked all wiring that i know of but dont know what is causing. 2 new batts
Any suggestions?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 10:08 AM
  #2  
BillyBob69's Avatar
BillyBob69
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Club FTE Silver Member

What alternator are you getting? What is the amp rating?
Are you running anything aftermarket that has a high draw?

RIght belt? Too tight? Lined up correctly?

What is it that makes you think it is frying or what are the symptoms?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 10:32 AM
  #3  
Chris123NT's Avatar
Chris123NT
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
Is it frying as in burning the windings on the stator? If so you either have high resistance in the wire going from the alternator OR your truck is drawing more than the alternator is capable of putting out.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 10:43 AM
  #4  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by BillyBob69
What alternator are you getting? What is the amp rating?
Are you running anything aftermarket that has a high draw?

RIght belt? Too tight? Lined up correctly?

What is it that makes you think it is frying or what are the symptoms?
It is the 125a, and yes the windings go in them. I do run 1 sub and 2 amps, have hydronic heater and back up cam in stereo
I tried a napa one this time and its only 1 month old and went on a 80km drive got back in and read like 8 vand had to get boost.
On way home after about 1/2 od driving the amps would hold at the lights but when I got home and started turning stuff on/off, you could see volts going up and down.
As far as too tight , how would I know? It is lined up correctly
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 10:45 AM
  #5  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by boondocks101
It is the 125a, and yes the windings go in them. I do run 1 sub and 2 amps, have hydronic heater and back up cam in stereo
I tried a napa one this time and its only 1 month old and went on a 80km drive got back in and read like 8 vand had to get boost.
On way home after about 1/2 od driving the amps would hold at the lights but when I got home and started turning stuff on/off, you could see volts going up and down.
As far as too tight , how would I know? It is lined up correctly

also how do you put description of truck under your name? That way atleast people can see what the truck is and whats been done
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 11:07 AM
  #6  
BillyBob69's Avatar
BillyBob69
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by boondocks101
It is the 125a, and yes the windings go in them. I do run 1 sub and 2 amps, have hydronic heater and back up cam in stereo
I tried a napa one this time and its only 1 month old and went on a 80km drive got back in and read like 8 vand had to get boost.
On way home after about 1/2 od driving the amps would hold at the lights but when I got home and started turning stuff on/off, you could see volts going up and down.
As far as too tight , how would I know? It is lined up correctly
If too tight, it could pull too much and cause bearing failure but you said the windings are getting fried so cancel that.

Originally Posted by boondocks101
also how do you put description of truck under your name? That way at least people can see what the truck is and whats been done
That is your signature. WHen you are in the forums, look at the top left just above the thread listings and click on USER CP. Then down the left side you can click on SIGNATURE and create one.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 11:22 AM
  #7  
Chris123NT's Avatar
Chris123NT
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
Originally Posted by boondocks101
also how do you put description of truck under your name? That way atleast people can see what the truck is and whats been done
Sounds to me like you're drawing too much for the factory alternator to handle. What's the wattage on the amp for your subs?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 11:58 AM
  #8  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by Chris123NT
Sounds to me like you're drawing too much for the factory alternator to handle. What's the wattage on the amp for your subs?
2 -500 watt
Has 2 oversize batts though
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:00 PM
  #9  
BillyBob69's Avatar
BillyBob69
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Club FTE Silver Member

125amps?

I thought our trucks are rated for 165amps factory with 185amps being the upgrade?

Hopefully someone will chime in on that.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:09 PM
  #10  
Chris123NT's Avatar
Chris123NT
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
Originally Posted by boondocks101
2 -500 watt
Has 2 oversize batts though
Oversize batteries don't mean jack if you can't charge them as fast as they're draining. All that does for you is give you a large reserve when the alt lets go.

2 500 watt amps would equate to a draw of ~82 amps all by themselves. Couple that with the rest of the electronics equipment in the truck and you're definitely pushing over what your alternator is capable of.

Originally Posted by BillyBob69
125amps?

I thought our trucks are rated for 165amps factory with 185amps being the upgrade?

Hopefully someone will chime in on that.
Depending on year and alternator. The trucks that had the 3G Alternator had 130 amp alternators, whereas the ones with the 6G style were 110 amps. Ford never offered a 165 amp alternator. They DID however offer a 140 amp for the ambulance packages. They also offered dual alternator for the ambulances as well.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:23 PM
  #11  
clem1226's Avatar
clem1226
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

as far as I know the factory alternator is 110AMP

with 2 500 watt amps you have the potental of drawing around 84 amps there alone...

If you regularly crank the **** to 11 then you are drawing close to 84 amps on the stereo alone, add in the IDM, fuel pump,exterior lighting, head unit etc and you are over the 110AMP alternator limit....

end result...I bet you need a bigger alternator
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:29 PM
  #12  
clem1226's Avatar
clem1226
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

might try this one

Ford Powerstroke Diesel High Amp Alternator, Nations Auto Electric

I have no experience with the company.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:31 PM
  #13  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by clem1226
as far as I know the factory alternator is 110AMP

with 2 500 watt amps you have the potental of drawing around 84 amps there alone...

If you regularly crank the **** to 11 then you are drawing close to 84 amps on the stereo alone, add in the IDM, fuel pump,exterior lighting, head unit etc and you are over the 110AMP alternator limit....

end result...I bet you need a bigger alternator
Thx for the info guys, still fairly new to diesels. What options are there for alts? or do I have to consider dual? Is there much involved in putting duals in?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:36 PM
  #14  
boondocks101's Avatar
boondocks101
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Originally Posted by BillyBob69
125amps?

I thought our trucks are rated for 165amps factory with 185amps being the upgrade?

Hopefully someone will chime in on that.
Not sure but It is an 110 amp from ford, I have heard of 130 amp available but have not found
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2013 | 12:36 PM
  #15  
Brother Les's Avatar
Brother Les
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
Originally Posted by clem1226
might try this one

Ford Powerstroke Diesel High Amp Alternator, Nations Auto Electric

I have no experience with the company.
I have talked to them a couple of weeks ago about starters. Got a solenoid for my starter. Got it the next day after ordered (live in the same state).

This is their home page.

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:37 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE