alternator and power steering
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
alternator and power steering
Having some weird issues going on.
First, my alternator stopped working 90% of the time. But it does work sometimes, namely, if the battery is fully charged. The battery loses its charge and then when turning the truck on (with 10 or 11 volts) it just stays there. If it's up to 12 volts, turn the truck on and i go up to 14 no problem. Ground issue? Something shorted? I bought a new alternator, but not sure if it needs replacing.
Second, around the same time this started happening, my top radiator line sprung a leak. It happened after, I know that. Replaced the hose, same issue. The power steering pulley somehow keeps knocking into it and it slices a hole in the hose. Never had an issue like this with it before, just started happening.
????
I'm stumped.
First, my alternator stopped working 90% of the time. But it does work sometimes, namely, if the battery is fully charged. The battery loses its charge and then when turning the truck on (with 10 or 11 volts) it just stays there. If it's up to 12 volts, turn the truck on and i go up to 14 no problem. Ground issue? Something shorted? I bought a new alternator, but not sure if it needs replacing.
Second, around the same time this started happening, my top radiator line sprung a leak. It happened after, I know that. Replaced the hose, same issue. The power steering pulley somehow keeps knocking into it and it slices a hole in the hose. Never had an issue like this with it before, just started happening.
????
I'm stumped.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Hello,
First of, what year and type of vehicle are you working on?
On the first issue, as much of a pain as it is, I would suggest puling the alternator out and having it tested at a parts store. Also, has the regulator been replaced? (They should be replaced as a pair).
I went through about 4 - 5 alternators in 3 years before I finally found one that didn't keep dying on me. Quality control can be lacking.
As for the radiator hose, is the pulley wheel really close to the hose?
If so, can you get a shorter belt and move the wheel in an inch or two? That might help move it away from the hose.
Good luck.
First of, what year and type of vehicle are you working on?
On the first issue, as much of a pain as it is, I would suggest puling the alternator out and having it tested at a parts store. Also, has the regulator been replaced? (They should be replaced as a pair).
I went through about 4 - 5 alternators in 3 years before I finally found one that didn't keep dying on me. Quality control can be lacking.
As for the radiator hose, is the pulley wheel really close to the hose?
If so, can you get a shorter belt and move the wheel in an inch or two? That might help move it away from the hose.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
oh, sorry - 1988 f150 300 c6 EFI.
haven't replaced any regulators, ECU and all injectors were replaced about a year ago. alternator is original and something gives me the feeling that it works but another issue is present.
the pulley is about 1" from the hose - the way it's always been. but, recently, it started cutting in. i'm not sure when, I assumed that when the hose gets full and pressurized it becomes heavier and easier to move. Though, still, it suddenly just happened.
I don't think I can move the power steering unit? That would help, but it's bolted to the block with some aluminum frame.
haven't replaced any regulators, ECU and all injectors were replaced about a year ago. alternator is original and something gives me the feeling that it works but another issue is present.
the pulley is about 1" from the hose - the way it's always been. but, recently, it started cutting in. i'm not sure when, I assumed that when the hose gets full and pressurized it becomes heavier and easier to move. Though, still, it suddenly just happened.
I don't think I can move the power steering unit? That would help, but it's bolted to the block with some aluminum frame.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 862
Likes: 7
From: like subarctic, brrr man!
Check your engine mount? Maybe it's loose allowing the engine to move and make contact with the hose...
Also, consider doing a 3g alternator upgrade. I'm guessing your current one is a single plug, which is know for catching on fire... had one in my '87 mustang that caught fire :P
Also, consider doing a 3g alternator upgrade. I'm guessing your current one is a single plug, which is know for catching on fire... had one in my '87 mustang that caught fire :P
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
I guess your pulley probably doesn't have any adjustment in it since it's a serpentine setup. I was thinking, if it was like mine, you can just loosen the adjusting nut and rotate the pump on its pivot, bringing it in some. Then get a shorter belt. I don't know if you can do that on serpentine setups.
If your hoses are moving that much when they get full and heavy from the coolant, it's definitely time for new hoses. Those sound pretty soggy and old.
I'd have your regulator and alternator checked. Lots of parts stores will do it for free. The regulators do go bad, and that causes them to not allow the alternator to be charged.
Also, check all of your cables/grounds. Green, corroded cables can cause issues (and put enough strain on your electrical components like your regulator/alternator) to cause them to fail.
If your hoses are moving that much when they get full and heavy from the coolant, it's definitely time for new hoses. Those sound pretty soggy and old.
I'd have your regulator and alternator checked. Lots of parts stores will do it for free. The regulators do go bad, and that causes them to not allow the alternator to be charged.
Also, check all of your cables/grounds. Green, corroded cables can cause issues (and put enough strain on your electrical components like your regulator/alternator) to cause them to fail.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
02GrayPowerStroke
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Aug 20, 2008 08:06 PM
hllon4whls
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
27
May 3, 2005 06:35 AM
