Alinator voltage
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
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From: Ford City, PA
Alinator voltage
Picture was taken after about a 30-45 min drive. Had my high beams on. Radio, wipers on a high speed also. Just wondering if it was a little low because it's usually at 13.8-14.0 If the picture doesn't show up the number was 13.3
ALTERNATOR*** sorry
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Did you notice the voltage higher than 13.3 at all during your drive? The alternator might not have been engaged when you saw that. My understanding is the alternator is not always running so the voltage can fluctuate. At least that is what I have noticed in my dual alternator setup. My voltage will fluctuate and I can hear when it seems that the alternator "kicks in" and I can see my voltage jump to about 13.8-14. 13.3 still seems to be a good voltage since a typical fully charged battery sitting static is about 12.6-12.8 volts.
Do you have a DC amp clamp you can throw on the alternator cable to see if it is putting out current?
Do you have a DC amp clamp you can throw on the alternator cable to see if it is putting out current?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Ford City, PA
I don't have anything to check it but I can run over to my local auto parts store and they can check it. It was normal while I was driving that I noticed anyway. I realized it was that low when I just parked. The truck was still running though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
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From: Yakistan, WA
The voltage is okay, but I would be willing to bet that it was just a fluctuation, as mine does too.
When I first drive my truck cold, after glow plugs have shutoff, it is usually in the 14.1-14.4v range, then after driving for a while it will stay between 13.4v-13.8v.
Heat is a factor in the engine bay, so that it why you have different voltages. Especially in the summer it will stay at 13.2-13.6v in the summer depending on temps and how hard I am running.
If your really concerned about it, pull the alternator after the truck has not been running (typically in the morning), and go get it bench tested. Alternator pulling is easy.
Getting the auto parts store to check things is fine, but the problem is when they check it you need them to check things after a cold soak.
Good catch!!!
$25 part
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- Preston
When I first drive my truck cold, after glow plugs have shutoff, it is usually in the 14.1-14.4v range, then after driving for a while it will stay between 13.4v-13.8v.
Heat is a factor in the engine bay, so that it why you have different voltages. Especially in the summer it will stay at 13.2-13.6v in the summer depending on temps and how hard I am running.
If your really concerned about it, pull the alternator after the truck has not been running (typically in the morning), and go get it bench tested. Alternator pulling is easy.
Getting the auto parts store to check things is fine, but the problem is when they check it you need them to check things after a cold soak.
$25 part
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- Preston
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
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From: Virginia Beach VA
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Yakistan, WA
Look at the last post on this thread from Bismic
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-pressure.html
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Yakistan, WA
I am always 190-192 on the highway, warmed up.
Going down hills on the highway and in town driving it may fluctuate between 188-190 but thats about it.
That's why I say yours isn't bad yet.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
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From: Middle Tn.
ECT's should, ideally, be 198 to 204 fully heat saturated.
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