alternator crapping out?
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 30
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alternator crapping out?
I have an 89 F-150 4x4 with a 5.0. This morning on my way to work I noticed the needle on my batt. gauge almost down to the red zone. Is my alt starting to crap out on me? The battery and cables are just over a month old and in good condition. The belt as well is newer and in good condition with plenty of tension on it. Am I over-looking something or is my alternator on its last leg?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
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From: NorCal
alternator crapping out?
Does the needle move at all when you rev the engine? Do you hear excessive whining when you rev the engine? There are a few things to test, the easiest way would be to go down to a parts store and have them test it for free. I had a bearing go out in mine, it cost about 8 bucks for the bearing kit.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: South Sioux City, NE USA
alternator crapping out?
My '89 did the same thing. It turned out to be the brushes, $10 from the local parts store. About 1 hour to replace.
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
IBP, Inc.
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
IBP, Inc.
New User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7
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alternator crapping out?
My '89 F-150 with 300-6 does the same thing. I don't think Ford built these trucks with a good charging system period. My friend who had an '89 had similar problems too. I'm on my third alternator in 1.5 years. I'd love to hear suggestions as to putting a larger alternator in mine or gettting more amperage out of my current alternator.
New User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 21
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alternator crapping out?
The 2 most common alternators on the '89's were a 65 amp unit and an 80 amp unit. Externally, they appear identical, but the internal windings are different. The most common reason for failure on these is the large power connector on the alternator. It is a plug-in type connection, which often gives trouble. Many rebuilders supply a new connector with their alternators to be spliced into the harness. There is also a special grease which should be applied to the connector.
If you want "MORE POWER", you might look at Fords newer generation "3G" series on the later models. They come in 100 and 130 amp varieties. If they will bolt up OK, the wiring changes are not that complicated. The 80 amp unit should really be more than adequate, though.
If you want "MORE POWER", you might look at Fords newer generation "3G" series on the later models. They come in 100 and 130 amp varieties. If they will bolt up OK, the wiring changes are not that complicated. The 80 amp unit should really be more than adequate, though.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14
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alternator crapping out?
Check out Wranger Power Products. I don't remember the url but a search of the net will turn them up. They are incredibly knowledgable helpful and friendly. I'm sure they can help out.
Michael
Michael
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