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DC Amp Install Questions

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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 09:14 AM
  #1  
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DC Amp Install Questions

Hi Guys,

I am almost finished with the install. Finally got my XP 270. My understanding is that I need to use the spacers, otherwise it won't clear a nut that holds a pipe in place (A/C line?). It seems like it makes the new alternator higher and puts more tension on the belt. Is this OK?

Second question - I am doing the cable upgrade as well. Where did you guys put the black cable? Did you attach it at the frame or the body? It seems 2-3ft longer than necessary to attach to the body. I almost finished last night but ran out of light - decided to start it at dusk though.

For those that are interested - my pulley does not have the DC power engraving nor was it anodized as requested, but they sent me this one while I wait on that one to finish up. They really got bogged down at Xmas (when I ordered) and are finally getting back on track it seems. They have been very helpful and accommodating when I have called.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 10:14 AM
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vellingapa
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From: Washinhton
I just completed installing a quickstart 140 alternator last week which also came in a larger case size. Although it also came with spacers, I did not need to install any of the spacers in order to maintain clearance. e.g. spacers are only needed in certain applications. Either way I doubt an 1/8-1/4 difference in height due to spacers would have made any difference.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 11:38 AM
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You will need the tension of the belt from those spacers to run that pulley. Ground to frame, there are several frame to body straps.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 12:41 PM
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OK, it seems to run fine with the spacers in. They are about 1/2in to 5/8in thick so that's why I was concerned.

I ran the ground wire to the big cross member of the frame in front. New voltage is 14.2 at idle, was 13.4. I haven't gone for a ride yet.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 12:48 PM
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Wow that's great power going up to 14.2 volts. What are you using for the alt cable and positive battery cables? Double up with additional or just replace with what gauge? I would love to have a 270. Saving up but the biggest issue is re doing all my ground and positive cable in 1/0 heavy duty cable.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 01:00 PM
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when i put a big alternator in my 96 bronco i had to make some 5/16" shims to get the belt to stop squealling. this is because most high output alts use a smaller pulley than stock. also i left all the factory wiring in place and just added new 1/0 guage wire. i ran new grounds from alt to body, alt to frame, and alt to both batts, this was the only way i could keep the volts up at idle.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 02:14 PM
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good luck waiting on that pulley, mine is still not here from my order of dec 30th
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 05:54 PM
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I bought the cable kit from DC power - it is 1/0. I ran positive from alt to passenger side battery and I put negative from the passenger battery to the frame. Both batteries already have a 1/0 negative to the engine block (stock). The voltage cruising around town today was 14.4V on my Edge CTS.

Now it is time to put in the stereo that has been sitting around waiting for the alternator to power it!!!

Yeah - I might be waiting a while on the pulley.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2013 | 11:35 PM
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Sullid01,

I am helping my brother install his XP 270 tomorrow among other things like coolant filter, flush, new exhaust, etc. Some of the research I saw stated to install the black cable to one of the alternator mounting bolts. No problems mounting to battery and space? Where on the frame did you mount the wire? Did you just find an existing hole or drill a new one? can you post any pics? I haven't seen his instructions so it may be self explanatory. My brother asked for my help so I am doing the research before we get to work.

Thanks.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 06:30 AM
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I can try to get a picture later today after work. I mounted the black cable from the battery negative to the front frame. I unscrewed a 13mm bolt that holds the top front frame member in place. This is a piece of the frame that would need to be removed to get to the intercooler (CAC). The 3ft wire I have may not reach from the alternator to the front - I might re-route it like you suggest, alternator to somewhere else on the frame - I take a look at it tonight - Dan
 
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Old Mar 13, 2013 | 03:44 PM
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I did not take any pics from my install yet, but this thread has great pics on the install:

lookin 4 "Big 3 upgrade" pics- - Page 3 - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

I ran out of steam on this and am now waiting for some more cable to come from amazon so I can finish this properly.
 
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Old Mar 13, 2013 | 05:11 PM
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No worries on pictures. We ended up installing from alternator bolt to the frame. We used one of the 10 mm bolts that supports/holds the external tranny filter. The only concern I have for the future is if and when the CAC tube hose starts seeping oil on cable.. That bolt is right under it. He is getting around 14.4-14.2 volts right from startup. Testing from the top of alternator he is getting 14.8.
 
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