New Alternator ?
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 36
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From: Vancouver,USA
New Alternator ?
I've owned my 70 F100 for a couple of years now. This thing has been through the ringer from a number of previous owners. Slowly,it's getting back into shape(many new parts).
Next up,does my alternator need replaced? The headlights don't dim,but I've noticed my turn signals slow waaaaay down when I'm idling,as opposed to cruising. The dash lights
flicker at idle too. Not excessively,but it is noticable.
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
Next up,does my alternator need replaced? The headlights don't dim,but I've noticed my turn signals slow waaaaay down when I'm idling,as opposed to cruising. The dash lights
flicker at idle too. Not excessively,but it is noticable.
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 839
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From: outback
Originally Posted by bugser
I've
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
Could be a short, but i would get a new alt before you get stranded. I just put a new one in last week. $65 for one with a lifetime gaurante and free towing. (61 amp autolite) You can also get them at farm and fleet for under $50.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Watauga TEXAS
Originally Posted by bugser
I've owned my 70 F100 for a couple of years now. This thing has been through the ringer from a number of previous owners. Slowly,it's getting back into shape(many new parts).
Next up,does my alternator need replaced? The headlights don't dim,but I've noticed my turn signals slow waaaaay down when I'm idling,as opposed to cruising. The dash lights
flicker at idle too. Not excessively,but it is noticable.
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
Next up,does my alternator need replaced? The headlights don't dim,but I've noticed my turn signals slow waaaaay down when I'm idling,as opposed to cruising. The dash lights
flicker at idle too. Not excessively,but it is noticable.
The belt isn't loose,and there isn't any odd noises coming from it. I should test the output first. Anyone know the values? Thanks
Check the voltage while the engine is running- should be 13.5-14.5 volts. Make sure your idle is set to specs. If it doesn't charge at idle, it's time for a new alternator. Make sure you change the voltage regulator at the same time (cheap insurance- could go out later). If that checks out, try a new flasher. Could also be a bad/corroded connection in the signal circuit.
Good Luck-
Joe
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
ground that new regulator before hooking wires back up, the instructions caution to do that. These kinds of parts are cheap and well worth replacing, especially if they are original parts. They have outlived their job.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 6
If you can get a new one for $50, you can probably rebuild yours for under $20. Two bearings and a set of brushes. Maybe under $10. But if your alternator is working then it's working. Replacing it isn't gonna change anything. Maybe your idle is too slow and that's the problem. Maybe it's dirty connections. Rule these simple and free things out first because until you find and fix the cause of your problem, shelling out ca$h for new parts isn't gonna change a thing. Don't throw money at it in hopes that it will go away. Cause it won't until you fix the problem.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
If someone installed a heavy duty flasher, the turn signals can slow. Put additional load, i.e., a trailer, on the system should cause them to operate normally.
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