Alternator Check ?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Man Cave
Alternator Check ?
I have a auxiliary battery with a controller which is indicating that my main batteries are low. It is also sounding like they are struggling to start. They are new Optima reds. Put a voltmeter on the main batteries and they are only getting 11.5 volts. Checked the main red line out of the alternator and same again 11.5volts. How can you check the alternator to see if it is faulty ??
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
I normally find some way to put a load on the system and see if the alternator can maintain at least 13.5 volts. (fan speed on high, blower motor on high, lights on etc)
I found the videos on this page helpful. There is one that talks about troubleshooting the alternator. I hope this helps.
BBB Industries - How-to Video Center
I found the videos on this page helpful. There is one that talks about troubleshooting the alternator. I hope this helps.
BBB Industries - How-to Video Center
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Check across the battery posts when the truck is running. The batteries are in parallel. If you put the (leads or clamps) on the posts of the battery when the truck is running, the voltage you read is the voltage output of the alternator.
If you want to be sure, check with one of the leads on the heavy wire (called the charge wire) that goes from the back of the alternator to the first battery and the other to ground. Be careful not to short this wire to ground. That will also show alternator output.
You should see 14.2VDC from either test point set with a good alt.
If you want to be sure, check with one of the leads on the heavy wire (called the charge wire) that goes from the back of the alternator to the first battery and the other to ground. Be careful not to short this wire to ground. That will also show alternator output.
You should see 14.2VDC from either test point set with a good alt.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
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I have a auxiliary battery with a controller which is indicating that my main batteries are low. It is also sounding like they are struggling to start. They are new Optima reds. Put a voltmeter on the main batteries and they are only getting 11.5 volts. Checked the main red line out of the alternator and same again 11.5 volts. How can you check the alternator to see if it is faulty ??
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,002
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One thing I just learned this past week is that Ford made a 215 amp version of the alternator for the 6.4 Powerstroke, I think it was used as the second Alt in a dual Alt setup, but they both mount and hook up exactly the same. I am not sure what years it was used, but my mechanic told me about it since the Alt in my Excursion is on it's way out. He sells a high output 225amp one for use in Excursions that is like 500 bucks.
I called AutoZone and the normal alt is only a 110 or 130 amp. The 215 is a special order part but has a lifetime warranty.
Get this, the 215 Amp high amp one is $215, with no core charge. The normal 130 is $275.... guess which one I am going to put on.
I called AutoZone and the normal alt is only a 110 or 130 amp. The 215 is a special order part but has a lifetime warranty.
Get this, the 215 Amp high amp one is $215, with no core charge. The normal 130 is $275.... guess which one I am going to put on.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,446
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From: Panama City, FL
I cant remember but it was either Chris (F350-6) or Pop (springerpop) that just put on a alt for a 6.0 and he had to do a slight modification to make it fit. I think it was a 160amp alt. He did a write on it with pics.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Man Cave
I didn't read too well before I replied. What you are describing is a bad alternator or a bad regulator. These are both in the alternator housing on the engine. Time for a rebuild or replace. Rebuild by a local shop is preferable, though a parts store replacement is possible.
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Posting Guru
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I will be ordering it and putting it on in the next week or so.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Man Cave
just had another look at the battery monitor and the charging indicator doesnt start until 13V so thats most probably why it isnt showing charge. I wil see if Clay can get me a new alternator.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Canberra Australia
Brian, if you can live without your truck for a few days it might be worth getting your local auto-electrician to have a look. Sometimes it can just be something like a busted diode that stops an otherwise servicable alternator working properly.
Having said that, the 215A alternator does for $215 sounds like a worthwhile upgrade!
Having said that, the 215A alternator does for $215 sounds like a worthwhile upgrade!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,446
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From: Panama City, FL
Question for you guys downunder. If ford made the 7.3 for you all till like 07 I think, did they make the 6.0 at the same time and you had to options to buy from or did they skip making the 6.0 all together and moved right on to the 6.4?
Sorry for the high jack but the whole different amp alt is what got me thinking that.
Sorry for the high jack but the whole different amp alt is what got me thinking that.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 9
From: Minnesota
One thing I just learned this past week is that Ford made a 215 amp version of the alternator for the 6.4 Powerstroke, I think it was used as the second Alt in a dual Alt setup, but they both mount and hook up exactly the same. I am not sure what years it was used, but my mechanic told me about it since the Alt in my Excursion is on it's way out. He sells a high output 225amp one for use in Excursions that is like 500 bucks.
I called AutoZone and the normal alt is only a 110 or 130 amp. The 215 is a special order part but has a lifetime warranty.
Get this, the 215 Amp high amp one is $215, with no core charge. The normal 130 is $275.... guess which one I am going to put on.
I called AutoZone and the normal alt is only a 110 or 130 amp. The 215 is a special order part but has a lifetime warranty.
Get this, the 215 Amp high amp one is $215, with no core charge. The normal 130 is $275.... guess which one I am going to put on.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 609
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Yes, there was a 215 Amp alt that fits our trucks. It came off a 6.0 liter engine. the case is larger, and the bracket (not the case) has to be ground down in two spots and the rear of the case has to be clocked 90* for it to work properly on the 7.3. Other than that, direct fit.
I don't know who did the write up, but it is a good one to follow.
I don't know who did the write up, but it is a good one to follow.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Man Cave
Question for you guys downunder. If ford made the 7.3 for you all till like 07 I think, did they make the 6.0 at the same time and you had to options to buy from or did they skip making the 6.0 all together and moved right on to the 6.4?
Sorry for the high jack but the whole different amp alt is what got me thinking that.
Sorry for the high jack but the whole different amp alt is what got me thinking that.