Alternator Longevity??
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Alternator Longevity??
I'm going to take a couple of days off and do a bunch of stuff I've been putting off including install of the ITP regulated fuel kit.
Thought I'd go ahead and pull the turbo and do the o-rings and re-torque the injectors/rocker pedestals while I've got decent access.
I'm going to have the alternator off and I'm thinking about going ahead and replacing it as well. I've got 140k on it, any rules of thumb on how long the original one lasts? Thanks.
Craig
Thought I'd go ahead and pull the turbo and do the o-rings and re-torque the injectors/rocker pedestals while I've got decent access.
I'm going to have the alternator off and I'm thinking about going ahead and replacing it as well. I've got 140k on it, any rules of thumb on how long the original one lasts? Thanks.
Craig
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, Colorado
It depends on how hard you work them. I went through three in 50K but I was working it hard with lots of lights and two big amps. I had mine rebuilt locally to over 200A. If yours is still good...if it ain't broke... 
The problem with most guys burning them up is when the batteries get run down bad and they just jump start. The alternator for these trucks is marginal at best, and is sufficient to keep good batteries topped off. They overheat and burn up trying to charge two deeply discharged batteries while performing their normal job of supplying the truck.
I'd spend your money on something else if it tests out good with a multimeter.
Austin
The problem with most guys burning them up is when the batteries get run down bad and they just jump start. The alternator for these trucks is marginal at best, and is sufficient to keep good batteries topped off. They overheat and burn up trying to charge two deeply discharged batteries while performing their normal job of supplying the truck.
I'd spend your money on something else if it tests out good with a multimeter.
Austin
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,497
Likes: 7
From: Central, Al
I agree with austin if you have not put a heavy load on the Alt (Weak Batts, Large Amps, ect) they are fairly reliable. Invest in a good multimeter to keep a check on the entire electrical system and wait for the Alt to give you a sign.
