Alternator; replacement of
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: 5th wheel
Alternator; replacement of
2013 250 DSL CCab. The truck is coming up on 200K on mileage and I am just wondering if is time to start thinking
of replacing the alternator? Appreciate any feedback on this.
of replacing the alternator? Appreciate any feedback on this.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 164
From: Southwest Ohio
If you're the type of guy that replaced parts before they fail, go ahead and replace it. When you do think you'll replace the rear diff? The transmission?
My 2005 alternator failed at about 240,000 miles this past summer. A new Motorcraft was its replacement.
-- Dave
My 2005 alternator failed at about 240,000 miles this past summer. A new Motorcraft was its replacement.
-- Dave
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,911
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Funny I was just looking at ordering a spare to carry with me only because seemingly none of the readily available options (read: NAPA, O'Reilly, AZ) will keep the battery light off. I'd rather have a known, good, used OEM in my truck box for the road....
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 695
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From: Almost Heaven
From FICM Repair:
Alternator testing. Alternators fail when hot. In 6.0 trucks, it is nearly always the voltage regulator that goes out due to the fact that they are undersized. Typical failure is between about 120,000 and 160,000 miles (about 190,000 to 260,000 km). Frequently, there is no warning or indication of failure. As regulators fail when hot, pull the alternator(s) and replicate under hood temperatures on a hot summer day by sticking the alternator in an oven at about 225°F (about 105°C) for an hour. Pull the alternator out of the oven with some gloves or shop towels and then immediately take it/them to an auto parts store to be tested. For a valid test, the alternator must be uncomfortably warm to the touch during the test.
It might make sense to get a better alternator if:
1. Your alternator is putting out less than 13.3 volts at hot idle (as measured at one of the batteries) with all accessories (headlights, blower motor, heated seats, inverters, radio, etc) on;
2. You are close to the failure range in mileage of these alternator just anyway;
3. You live in a climate that sees winter temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or so
They do sell altenators, but still some good info. At yur mileage I would be monitoring yur voltage constantly, at least. Got gauges?
Alternator testing. Alternators fail when hot. In 6.0 trucks, it is nearly always the voltage regulator that goes out due to the fact that they are undersized. Typical failure is between about 120,000 and 160,000 miles (about 190,000 to 260,000 km). Frequently, there is no warning or indication of failure. As regulators fail when hot, pull the alternator(s) and replicate under hood temperatures on a hot summer day by sticking the alternator in an oven at about 225°F (about 105°C) for an hour. Pull the alternator out of the oven with some gloves or shop towels and then immediately take it/them to an auto parts store to be tested. For a valid test, the alternator must be uncomfortably warm to the touch during the test.
It might make sense to get a better alternator if:
1. Your alternator is putting out less than 13.3 volts at hot idle (as measured at one of the batteries) with all accessories (headlights, blower motor, heated seats, inverters, radio, etc) on;
2. You are close to the failure range in mileage of these alternator just anyway;
3. You live in a climate that sees winter temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or so
They do sell altenators, but still some good info. At yur mileage I would be monitoring yur voltage constantly, at least. Got gauges?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1,627
From FICM Repair:
Alternator testing. Alternators fail when hot. In 6.0 trucks, it is nearly always the voltage regulator that goes out due to the fact that they are undersized. Typical failure is between about 120,000 and 160,000 miles (about 190,000 to 260,000 km). Frequently, there is no warning or indication of failure. As regulators fail when hot, pull the alternator(s) and replicate under hood temperatures on a hot summer day by sticking the alternator in an oven at about 225°F (about 105°C) for an hour. Pull the alternator out of the oven with some gloves or shop towels and then immediately take it/them to an auto parts store to be tested. For a valid test, the alternator must be uncomfortably warm to the touch during the test.
It might make sense to get a better alternator if:
1. Your alternator is putting out less than 13.3 volts at hot idle (as measured at one of the batteries) with all accessories (headlights, blower motor, heated seats, inverters, radio, etc) on;
2. You are close to the failure range in mileage of these alternator just anyway;
3. You live in a climate that sees winter temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or so
They do sell altenators, but still some good info. At yur mileage I would be monitoring yur voltage constantly, at least. Got gauges?
Alternator testing. Alternators fail when hot. In 6.0 trucks, it is nearly always the voltage regulator that goes out due to the fact that they are undersized. Typical failure is between about 120,000 and 160,000 miles (about 190,000 to 260,000 km). Frequently, there is no warning or indication of failure. As regulators fail when hot, pull the alternator(s) and replicate under hood temperatures on a hot summer day by sticking the alternator in an oven at about 225°F (about 105°C) for an hour. Pull the alternator out of the oven with some gloves or shop towels and then immediately take it/them to an auto parts store to be tested. For a valid test, the alternator must be uncomfortably warm to the touch during the test.
It might make sense to get a better alternator if:
1. Your alternator is putting out less than 13.3 volts at hot idle (as measured at one of the batteries) with all accessories (headlights, blower motor, heated seats, inverters, radio, etc) on;
2. You are close to the failure range in mileage of these alternator just anyway;
3. You live in a climate that sees winter temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or so
They do sell altenators, but still some good info. At yur mileage I would be monitoring yur voltage constantly, at least. Got gauges?
My advice is to always step up a little bit over stock at least on an alternator when replacing them. Even if it's only 20-30 amps.
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New User
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From: 5th wheel
Can't thank you all enough for the input......Definitely going to replace it before heading to Alaska next spring
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Almost Heaven
R u goin to remain stock or bump it up? What engine do u have?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
Unless the OP provided the incorrect model year of his truck, I'm going to go out on a limb and say he has the good old 6.7L that has been nothing but superior in reliability on just about every count, in comparison to the fiasco laden 6.0/6.4 it replaced.
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