I'm going to assume I need a new alternator. It puts out 12.1 volts on multimeter and on my old fashion load tester test at idle. The only reason I checked it was because it seems to take a little longer for the glow plug indicator to go off.

Any suggestions on alternator or just stick with Ford?

 

How old is it? Did you load test the batteries yet?

 

David, even for my 7.3's I had a way to constantly measure my voltage. Now that I also have a 6.0 PSD, it's mandatory so I can make sure the FICM is getting the proper amount of juice.

Whether you get something like the CTS 2 to monitor important functions or a simple voltmeter like this (these are the ones I have)....



....grab one so you can stay on top of your rigs performance.

As for your alternator, if you can afford it, the Leece-Neville is always touted as the best in the 6.0 forum, but I couldn't afford that so I'm running a new unit from Autozone. So far so good, but I watch my voltage the same way I watch my engine oil and coolant temps, which is the same way I watch my FICM voltage, religiously.

Stewart

 

Stewart - can you tell me what batteries you are using?

 

I bought the CAT batteries for mine, less expensive. Same as the original. Cant remember the number but I'll look later and edit post.....

 

When I bought my F350 a few months back, I replaced the FICM, the alternator, and the batteries because the alternator was bad and the FICM was showing signs of going bad.

Since it was a new-to-me truck, I opted to replace the batteries too, and two new Exide batteries were purchased.

Stewart

 

Through product testing my oem, db, and dc have burned out within a year. Now a 240 amp mech-man for close to 3 years!

 

I had to replace mine last week. The only reason I checked mine was that it caught on fire driving down the road

I have a guy in town who rebuilds them. Sadly, mine was beyond rebuilding so he source me a new one. He said it was better than the box brands at counter stores but who knows. I know if I have a problem with it, he will stand behind it. Otherwise, I would have gone OEM.

 

The oem us undersized for the glow plugs on a 6.0 if you live where its cold.

 

Montana--guess that qualifies as cold

I did load test the batteries and they were good but on the weak side of good. ! battery is brand new. The other was new when I got it-well but paying too many tunes and not realizing the fan was on, it died--the passenger side one. I recharged it over night and it seemed fine but I am in the middle of the friggin boonies out here.

So new alternator. Anyone know where to buy that tension release bar?

 

The Leese-Nevile runs 350 amps. Is that overkill? If it is, suggestions for other amps or brands?

 

At 350 amps, you would have to seriously upgrade all your charging cables and connections to the batteries...and all the ground cables. I would stay under 200 amps if I were in your shoes. 185 would be good unless you are running some serious electrical gadgets.

 

Shouldn't any of these alternators last more than a few years? With all my other vehicles I haven't had to replace one, and that includes a 2003 CRV.

 

Mechman recommends the 240 volt on their website. Are you saying the stock cables cannot handle that alternator?

 

Been very pleased with my Leece Neville. Its 220a by the way and yes you need heavy cables from the alt to the battery. But its no longer undersized and they don't die in a year.