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Strange Alt Issue ?

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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 12:38 PM
  #1  
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Strange Alt Issue ?

1979 F150 2WD 351M

OK, to briefly update, a while back I had a battery drain issue, after replacing the Alt and Voltage Regulator, I had no more issues, until about a week ago.

Now I hardly ever drive on the Highway, but found myself on a stretch of I 70, speed limit is 65, as I'm driving along, my Alt light starts to slowly glow, and sometimes even get to total red, and I have an Amperes meter, and when this was happening, the meter would drop to below zero, when I got off the Highway, and was driving 55 and less, there was no more problem, and none since, but I haven't been driving on roads above 50 since the issue.

Anybody have an idea of what was going on ?
 
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 07:03 PM
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ubereal2
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That's a tough one
But it sounds like it could be the new alternator that doesn't like the higher RPM.
Myself, I'd have to remove the alternator, and have it bench tested, to weed out it or the voltage regulator.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 08:49 PM
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X2 on get the new alternator bench tested...I would just tell them you want another one for free. And you did double ck it is an externally regulated alt?

What ever you do, during your troubleshooting do NOT have the truck running and disconnect the +battery terminal.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 09:37 PM
  #4  
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yes , its an external regulator, and I didn't mention I upgraded to a 90 amp Alternator,or was it 70 amp ? I don't remember, the old one was I think 40a
 
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 11:58 PM
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lasermike
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Could be a slipping belt.

High RPM can increase the torque demand from the water pump and the fan (if it isn't on a clutch) to the point that the belt slips.
 
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