Alternator keeps going bad
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Alternator keeps going bad
I have a 1988 f-250 inline 6 . I change the head gasket. The voltage regulator and plug got melted. After that the alternator went out 3 different times. I got a new voltage regulator plug and alternator. It hasnt ran right ever since then. I took it to an electical place to have it checked out. The only thing they could find wrong was that the alternator was bad. They said the altenator looked cheaply made. Does anyone have any info on what it could be?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
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From: North of Toronto, Ontario
Alternator keeps going bad
Not sure what the problem is. What is the interval between new and when they quit? If all else fails, a GM self regulated alternator with one wire hookup will fit in the place of the ford alternator with minor modification, and a pully swap. Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 2
From: Harlan, KY
Alternator keeps going bad
After a third alternator failure (melted down) a friend suggested replacement of the wire end that plugs into the alternator. It seems that these ends become bad over time and may lead to alternator failure. A replacement plug with about six inches of heavy wire can be found. (Advance should have it) Cut off the old end and solder the replacement. On my 89 F-150 it was simpler to remove the wire segment, about eighteen inches, to do the work. Repair good forthree years so far.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
Alternator keeps going bad
Any electrical problem should first be attacked by checking all your grounds and connections. Since you mention a head gasket replacement I would suspect something didn't get put back on right, like a ground wire. You also mentioned that you replaced the regulator. If it doesn' say Autolite or Motorcraft on it throw it away and find one that does. I had several regulaters fail over about a years time and finally put on a Motorcraft and have been running it for over 100,000 miles and 15 years with the same alternater. I would rather get a used OEM unit out of a junkyard that buy one at the aftermarket parts store. Ditto with the ignition box. Nobody makes them as good as Ford. The regulaters may be full feilding or going to full tilt boogy. That would also boil the water out of the battery
