1989 7.3 idi. Has charging issues. This part and it's connector get hot with truck running. There is NO external voltage regulator. What do I have here?

 

Have you checked the part number on the net to see what it says it is?

 

I checked the number and couldn't find anything.

Is that a 3G alternator I see in the pic? Here's a good thread on installing the 3G alternator.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-pictures.html

 

it is a relay of some sort. for what though i have no clue. the part number is just blurry enough i can not see what it is to search for.

 

I tried to look up that number or make out what I think the number is and nothing comes up either. That's why I was asking if anyone saw that relay thing or can identify the pigtail. All I know Is that the relay gets very hot when truck is running. Running voltage at the batteries is appx 13 and change and doesn't increase when revved. When I turn on heater fan or any heavy load, the alt gauge pegs to left and moves back to middle when I shut them off. Also, the engine light flickers or comes off when heavy loads are out on when running. I never saw this behavior before. Any more ideas?

 

have you tried unplugging it while running to see if something does not work anymore?