Greenhorn with a Problem

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Nov 30, 2005 | 11:25 AM

Grenzeba

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Greenhorn with a Problem

Hi folks,

I just discovered this site after googling around in a futile attempt to determine what is wrong with my '94 F250 460 4x4. Any input y'all might have will help me immensly.

My truck starts fine, but when I fire up the lights and stereo I get a voltage drop. Then I get a high pitched squealing that when it subsides the voltage returns to normal. After a while, I smell a strong rubber smell and see intermittent smoke coming from the engine. I popped the hood a few times and couldn't see the source of the smoke. My AC/PS belt looks worn and I wonder if one of both of my belts may be slipping? Either that or I have a bad AC compressor that is gumming up the works? Any ideas, because I'm not sure where to start. My battery is new (850ca), and the alternator appears to be fine since the voltage returns to normal once the squealing stops.

Thanks for your help. Given that I have 200k on this beast, I'm sure I'll be back here often.

Nov 30, 2005 | 11:31 AM

bigredtruckmi

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Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 7,782

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From: Huntington Indiana

Has the Alternator been changed in 200K? If not then maybe the bearings in the alternator are starting to go bad. About the only way to check is to take belt off alt. and spin the shaft. If it sounds like ball bearings rolling around (dry) then you are about to loose the alt. If it doesn't make any noise then move on to the AC compressor.

Nov 30, 2005 | 11:33 AM

seventyseven250

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Calgary Canada

Sounds like belts to me. And, since you've got a voltage problem, I'd guess it's the alternator. New belts are cheap, replace 'em.

And bigredtruckmi has a good idea as well.

Nov 30, 2005 | 11:39 AM

Grenzeba

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Thanks guys. I'm heading off now to get some belts and tonight I'm heading to my neighbors to check on the alt. I go the truck with 150k or so on it, and I was told the alt was replaced (but who really knows). When we have the belts off we'll check the compressor, too. I appreciate the help. I picked the rig up as ranch truck and it's been stout up until now. I expected a few problems, but if I can do some of the stuff myself (plus a neighbor or two) it will help out the ole' checkbook.

Cheers.

Nov 30, 2005 | 12:40 PM

captainjerm

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alternator most likely

Nov 30, 2005 | 02:16 PM

seventyseven250

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Calgary Canada

This should be pretty doable with yourself and some helping hands.

Nov 30, 2005 | 04:20 PM

IB Tim

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 161,999

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From: 3rd Rock

Hey there guys...let’s take this discussion to the tech forums....
This is too good to keep it in the introduction area ...anyway!
thanks!

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Nov 30, 2005 | 08:37 PM

Beast12

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grenzeba

Hi folks,

I just discovered this site after googling around in a futile attempt to determine what is wrong with my '94 F250 460 4x4. Any input y'all might have will help me immensly.

Hi and welcome to FTE! Be sure to read this to help you around this site: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=300691 There are also State, Provincial and International Chapters located near the bottom of the main forum page.

We are glad to have you. Hope you enjoy the site. Check out the various forums. Lots of great info for you.

Thread moved to 87-96 F-Series trucks forum.