At 150k my alternator is starting to behave badly, it probably cooked a battery which froze overnight, after replacing the battery the alternator is showing broad voltage ranges from 12.5v to 15v while driving. Dealer (70 miles away) will have one this afternoon.

My plan is to remove the passenger fender liner and pull it from the side, after reviewing the available YouTube videos this seems like the path of least resistance.

I’ll keep you posted.

 

I’m aware that there are cheaper replacement units available, though I prefer to have the OEM warranty and hope to see another 150k.

No need to bench test the alternator as I can see the voltage swings while driving, it is about to go.

 

Post some pics if possible. I was nosing around under the hood yesterday. Barely can see it. All the info possible will be much appreciated when this info is needed

 

i replaced mine by going through the side. pull the wheel off, pull the plastic surround (cant think of what its called), and its not too bad to get to. It took me about an hour and a half IIRC.

 

The removal was about 35 minutes which entailed dropping the front of the fender liner in order to reach the alternator, and lifting the fan shroud on the passenger side enough to reach in.

I used a 1/2 inch breaker bar with a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer for the belt tensioner.

In the truck I found a no name “dynasty” 120amp alternator which obviously was not original equipment. The 220amp was about an inch longer. Everything is within reach from the wheel well, remove the three bolts, then roll it out, and then the electrical connectors.

Install was just opposite, connect the electrical connectors to the alternator and then roll it into position, install the three bolts, set the belt.

I did have an extra set of hands to manage the belt tensioner.

Install was 30 minites.

 

Now holding 14.6v in any conditions.

 

Well that's not to terrible then.

 

Update: Everything is working fine.

 

Good to hear. I just had the front end all apart on mine. I was half tempted to replace the alternator just because i was right there.

 

What brand alternator did you use again?

 

I bought mine from the Ford Parts Counter - yes I know there are other cheaper options out there.

 

Probably even some cheaper options for OEM. Glad to hear everything went well Copper. Now we know, if we didn't already(I didn't), a reference baseline for what my voltage should be (14.6v) when everything is working well. I think mine sits a bit below 14 at like 13.9. I'll need to monitor again on a small trip and let you know. What is the acceptable range for "good" on the charging system voltage wise?

 

Nothing wrong with 13.9v, I suspect it is a matter of the internals on the various alternators. About 5000 miles now, all good.

Science experiment:
My truck uses one group 65 battery on the drivers side, then a bank of ultracapacitors on the passenger side. An expensive science experiment, though amazing starts when it is -20F as there is no delay or resistance on the delivery of electrons. At the moment I have 800cca on the drivers side battery and 1800cca on the passenger side ultracapacitor that weighs only a few pounds.

 

Just wanted to to say thanks for this project and the continued updates.

My early years of playing with serious car stereos sometimes led me to wonder why a cap wasn’t used for starting so it’s cool to see that someone took the plunge and it was absolutely successful.