Yeah. 2 POS alternators vs just one. Seems like another failure point to me. My plow package should have added a heavy duty single alternator. I better look and make sure it's just one. Are the dual alternators right next to each other, or is one buried down low?

I rebuild the alternator every 100,000 miles. Since my truck is seeing less and less mileage, I might switch to every 5 years or so, when I pull out the starter.

 

Gas trucks can only get one alternator no matter what. But just for your info, here they are on my diesel. Just barely visible pointed out by red arrows:

 

Thanks.

As long as the bearing doesn't fail and throw the belt, everything should be cool. I don't think I've ever eaten a bearing. Comm, brushes, regulator maybe. But I've seen Dodge Nitros eat them often. As long as they are checked and rebuilt as often as the ground in the starter, should be GTG.

Looks like fun to get them out of there.

 

Why do you think these alternators are junk? The average new vehicle is still operating on a single alternator with an output of 130A. Even large crossovers fully optioned are running a single 150A alternator. Lower-output alternators both weigh less and create less parasitic drag on the engine. In my opinion, having one 220A alternator and one 157A alternator is tremendous. And in reality, if you start adding up the electric draw capability on these trucks...they actually need all that output.

If all six upfitter switches were operating simultaneously at max rated amperage, that's 180A. The supplemental heater on the diesel draws 150A when it runs. I don't know what the glow plugs draw, but I'm sure its very high. The heater elements in the DEF tank and piping also draw a lot. Then, you have all the standard high-draw accessories such as heated seats, heated rear defrosters, fan blowers, audio system and amplifier, heated mirrors, headlights (except LED), etc. Plus, all your "momentary" draws such as power windows, power seats, steering assist, etc, etc. Now consider that the alternators don't produce max power except at higher RPM and cooler temps. There are times when output is likely exceeded.

 

No problem. It's actually not that bad to get at. Remove the air intake tube and both intercooler tubes, and the access is just fine.

The diesel looks like a nightmare upon first glance, but Ford was actually thoughtful on a lot of components. Remove a couple of things first, and it opens up.

 

I don't think they're junk, or any worse than any other alternator. Ford uses good alternators.

I just don't trust any old alternator and find that ALL of them are mediocre and untrustworthy. They're just such cheap simple machines. And I hate rotors with comms and brushes. But that's generator guy stuff.

I kept a spare rebuilt alternator and starter under the seat of my 2008 F250 since I'm camping off road more often, and mid-west tow trucks won't go further than 100' from pavement.

Soon they'll be gone, and replaced by ERS systems. Someone's even got a cat convertor out there that makes power.

 

gas engine alternators

standard 157
heavy duty 200
extra heavy duty 240 amps

 

They act like they are giving you a lot, but a regular old F-150 comes standard with a 220A. I think the electric power steering on those trucks draws a lot.

 

wow, whats the max on a f150?

 

240A is max, and that might only be available on the police model F-150. Same alternator as the max on a gas Super Duty.

 

so much for "superduty"