3rd alt.. Am I missing something?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,244
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From: Morgantown WV
3rd alt.. Am I missing something?
The original alternator lasted 87k. Would have to rev the eng to start charging. The first NAPA replacement was DOA. The next one lasted 2 weeks. Pulled twice at Big **** on Sat. Headed for Smithton for another pull and the batt light came on. If you would start the eng and let it idle it would charge. As soon as you increase the rpm's the light would come on and quit charging. Replaced it today and all is good so far. Bruce Balish (super street Ford puller) has had similar problem. He thinks it may be the high rpm causing the problem. Am I missing something?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Been reading alot of posts of alternators not lasting very long that were purchased from napa, autozone, etc..I am sure someone here on FTE will suggest a good source. My battery light is also starting to flicker lately, but i am not quit sure it is the alternator.. Tomorrow i am going to check the connectors and wiring.. Read a post recently where a PSD
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
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From: Milroy, PA
http://www.alternatorparts.com/Ford_...oke_Diesel.htm
We put two of the HO alternators on out duramax truck at work. Seem to be good quality stuff, and they also (as the link shows) have alternators for our trucks. IMO its the napa alternator. Ive also had trouble with them in the past, not on this truck (155k and still origional alt) but when mine dies, Ill be ordering one of these alts. If I didnt know about those units, I would just have installed a oem one. I just havent had good luck with napa alternators. Even the "bench tested ok" ones.
We put two of the HO alternators on out duramax truck at work. Seem to be good quality stuff, and they also (as the link shows) have alternators for our trucks. IMO its the napa alternator. Ive also had trouble with them in the past, not on this truck (155k and still origional alt) but when mine dies, Ill be ordering one of these alts. If I didnt know about those units, I would just have installed a oem one. I just havent had good luck with napa alternators. Even the "bench tested ok" ones.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
And by the way, I wouldnt think its the high rpms. What do you turn? 4500? Some "custom" builders of alternators just take a stock one, and put a smaller pulley on it to make it have more power at idle. Which in return when the motor cranks its rpms up, would make it go even faster yet. If you convince yourself the rpms are killing it, you could just get an underdrive pulley for it to slow it down some. But I would start with a good alternator, not a napa one, however Im pretty biased against the napa ones haha if you havent noticed.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Visalia CA
i had mine rebuilt by a local shop that has been in business for 20yrs doin alt. I didnt want to be replacing mine every other week. Maybe find a good reputable shop near you.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
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From: Sterling Heights,Mi
JUst had this conversation with a duramax owner, three alts on his as well. He was doing OEM. Mech, based opon your name, I am sure you did, but did you check your batteries. I forget the actuall name, but there is a cell test, if you have a dead cell, the battery will test Okay, but wont take a charge.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
[QUOTE= check your batteries. I forget the actuall name, but there is a cell test, if you have a dead cell, the battery will test Okay, but wont take a charge.[/QUOTE]
What you are referring to is a hydrometer test.. Napa sells one for around $20 and you can check the fluid of each cell of the battery.. Just one bad cell will cause problems.. note: you must have a battery with removable cell caps.. see: http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...+%2f+Hand+Held
What you are referring to is a hydrometer test.. Napa sells one for around $20 and you can check the fluid of each cell of the battery.. Just one bad cell will cause problems.. note: you must have a battery with removable cell caps.. see: http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...+%2f+Hand+Held
Last edited by clintbonnie; Oct 15, 2007 at 12:44 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
Thank you, I wanted to say specific gravity test, but knew that wasnt the answer. Thanks Clint..As Clint said though, you will have problems if you have a dead cell, yet the battery test ok.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I put the Duralast Gold (NEW, not reman) alt from AZ and so far, so good... I REALLY wish I had seen that site before I bought mine. I would've done the 160A job in a heartbeat. That said, I never had an alt or battery problem in my Ranger -- it was 7 years old with 92k on it when I traded it for the 250. I beat on the electrical system, too -- I have radio equipment that draws in excess of 100A (peak, not continuous) by itself. Running that equipment at night with the lights on would cause noticeable dimming with voice peaks. I haven't installed that stuff yet on the F250 and I had to replace the batteries and the alt already. Go figure... Once I get all that stuff put back in I should know if the AZ alt will be okay or not. 
Joe
Joe