Alternator Change Out
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Senior User
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Alternator Change Out
My battery warning light came on today in my 2003 6.0 F250 4wd and I had the truck tested for bad batteries but it turned out to be the alternator. I ordered the correct (135 amp I think) one and will be changing it out this weekend but I figured I'd see if anyone else has experience about some good things to know. Is there anything that I should know about changing it ( I've never done an alternator before)?
Thanks
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
The upgraded 140 amp is a good alternative, but lots of folks go for more alternator, DC power 185 amp, or prestolite 230 amp are better, especially if you run accessories that use a lot of power. See my gallery for the prestolite 230. You do need to do some wire upgrades from the bigger alternator.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Bothell, WA
I believe the stock alternator on most 6.0s is 110, the same one ford uses in some of their passenger cars (ok I exaggerate a little there). Just don't use the seat warmer or have your cell phone charging until the glow plugs shut off, and probably a good idea to leave the environmentals off too. And don't even think about the parking lights... Just thinking about them will kill one of the batteries.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: BC Canada
140 ISO the upgraded alternator. Easy enough to get that, instead of a 110. Mine lasted 8 years, stock on the truck, but I replaced with a 230 prestolite after doing my FICM. Depending on where you are, this may be a better option than DC power or others, shipping all in, warranty from international dealer?
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The alternator I bought is a 135. I would upgrade but I'm not planning to add much accessories other than some more lights or a CB. The one I bought at Orielys has lifetime warranty. My truck is an XL model so not much needs power( manual locks, crank windows). I printed off torque specs from All Data for the bolts.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: North Pole
when you go to loosen the belt.. there's a small kicker by the tentioner...
the entire switch-out should take you about 15 minutes....
it's just that easy..
have fun, and don't pinch afinger
Chris
the entire switch-out should take you about 15 minutes....
it's just that easy..
have fun, and don't pinch afinger
Chris
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Here's thread with some good info and a picture of how to get the tensioner compressed.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lternator.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lternator.html
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lubbock
10mm or 5/16 for the pover comming oit of the alternator. 13mm for the mounting bolts there are 4 of them. What I did is use a claw hammer against the alternator and use it to provide leverage pullimg the belt with one hand. With the other pish in the kick stand. Hold the kickstand while you release tension on the belt. Then slide the belt off and use the handle of the hamer thru the belt across the fan shroud and what ever else will hold the other side of the hammer so you dont get the belt off track. Pull the 4 mounting bolts swap the alternator amd do the reverse. Ive do t this about 4 times. Once in a advanced autoparts parking lot 10 mins to them closing with channel locks and a hammer
New User
Joined: Apr 2014
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Very Easy-Even for a first timer!!
3 bolts, one electrical clip,and if you really want to hillbilly it you can just pull on the belt to remove it. Not sure if thats the right thing to be telling you!! Ether way it won't take you long.
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Senior User
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I got it changed out. Only thing that gave me trouble was the belt. The actual alternator would've took me about 10 min but I took the old one off before setting the "kickstand" so I struggled with getting the belt back on.
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