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Electrical problems...

Old Dec 4, 2007 | 08:55 PM
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Electrical problems...

Ok...first of all let me say that this doesn't have to do with the new dash I put in last weekend, I'm positive of that.

My truck is having electrical issues.

I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the alternator, but I'm not positive just yet.

Battery tests at 11.6 volts or so (this was after several starting attempts, etc.).
Starter solenoid gives a good firm click, starter attempts to turn engine over, then loud clicking noise.
After truck starts, I get zero charge...the battery voltage slowly runs down. It ran down to the point the truck died one time. Voltage from the charging peg on alternator was about equal to the voltage of the battery.

I'm planning on getting and installing a new alternator tommorow. Sound good to everyone? Anything else to check?
 
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Old Dec 4, 2007 | 11:26 PM
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Certainly sounds like the alt -- and the regulator is internal .

Just a caution-- charge your battery and make sure it's good before running the alt.

It's never happened to me, but I've read a lot of places that a low batt can take out a new alt -- or at least weaken it.

Don't know for sure, but it's a simple enough to avoid any problems

Good luck,

ford2go
 
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Old Dec 5, 2007 | 12:15 AM
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I may just end up having to go with whatever happens with the new alt and discharged battery. I'm not near anywhere I could plug a charger in, don't have one, and the truck's too dead to move.

Thanks for the advice.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2007 | 11:48 AM
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If at all possible, DON'T let the alternator attempt to recharge a run down battery, It just isn't designed for nor meant to do this kind of work
It can ruin both the alternator & battery, by over working & over heating the alternator, as well as overcharging, over heating the battery, which can warp, or cause excessive plate shedding & or otherwise damage it's plates, from too high a charge rate.

Consider removing the battery & taking it with you to get the altenator, as most autoparts stores have battery recharging services. At least they could partially recharge the battery, to take some of the recharge load off the alternator & maybe prevent it from being overworked, or cooking the battery.

If you can, maybe drop the battery off for a nice slow overnight recharge.

Just some thoughts for pondering.

Long time no post Zach, you stuck in the boondocks somewhere????!!!!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2007 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Long time no post Zach, you stuck in the boondocks somewhere????!!!!
Thanks for the advice pawpaw.

College...busy busy. Actually that's a lie. Class takes hardly any time, flying takes a bit of time, and of course socializing. I have my Private Pilot checkride tommorow.

Computer ended up getting a virus and melting down about a month ago, which left me computerless for about 3 weeks, that was quite annoying.

I'll do my best to poke in now, not much else to do after finals next week.

I'm headed out to get a new alternator and get the battery recharged. Thanks for the advice guys.
 
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