Hey Guys,

Took the truck, oh yeah and the wife too, out for a little drive. I have the abaility to check voltage with my Escort Radar detector and it was only showing between 13.9 and 14.1 volts. I know that it used to be around 14.4 volts.

Is it getting to the point that I should look for a new alternator or am I just paranoid.

If I need one has anyone upgraded to a HO unit and if so cost and where to get one. I know Bismic posted some stuff about it a while back and I was looking for it but couldnt remeber the thread name and the search showed a ton of stuff but the whole large case small case stuff is a little confusing.

I know Ford offers a 160 amp alt. but is it a direct bolt on or do changes need to be made. I dont think I need a 300 amp. alt. or anything but I may add a plow this year and want to make sure I have enough juice.

Thanks,

Sarge

 

Hello Sarge! I would keep an eye on the voltage but I wouldn't write off your alternator just on this one set of readings. I try to clean my battery terminals yearly and check all wiring to make sure nothing is loose. I suppose you already have done this, but if not ............. Also, I have already had to replace the batteries on my 06, so keep an eye on yours.

I am saving up for a high output alternator (and power inverter) - and will probably buy it and install it early next year - regardless of the current alternator performance. If you have a local shop that rebuilds alternators, you might go talk to them - sometimes they are good and reasonably priced. I just found out that we have a highly regarded rebuild shop locally - had them recently do a starter for my son's 7.3L.

If you are looking for a well regarded place to buy one, the following have come highly recommended:

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I would not buy at db electrical (my personal experience was not the greatest)

The Ford 160A is a direct bolt-on, but there are better choices for an upgrade IMO.

 

Most charging systems charge around 13.8 to 14.0 volts. I wouldn't start worrying until you see voltage around 13.0 or a little less. JMO though.

 

I have a voltage differance of .5v from the powerpoint/cig lighter vs. the main feed. I've checked it with a meter and it's off for some reason.

 

My voltage (from the power point outlet) used to run 14.1 or so. Today I checked it out and it stayed between 13.7 and 13.9. I do not think that you have much to worry about Sarge (as Greg W. said)!

 

Those voltages are fine Sarge.

 

My voltage started to get low it was a bad battery and caused my ficm to go out but it was down to 12-11 volts, so i would keep an eye on it but if it doesn't get any lower i would say your fine.

 

I already replaced both of my batteries last year or the year before. I put in the best MC ones I could buy...cause I am a distributor and it had 54k on it then. I have no loose connections and the terminals are clean. I already had the FICM replaced early this year cause f my batteries going south last year. It would have ben replaced sooner but I didnt have time to get it in to the dealer.

I am glad that I have nothing to worry about and I will check it at the batteries with my meter in the am. Thanks guys but I may look into a upgraded alt. soon anyway. I dont want to kill the batteries and I think it may be a good idea in the near future anyway.

I do have a local shop that rebuilds but they suck. I have had nothing but problems with them and have had a few less than happy customers too, plus paying for alt. repairs when my customers are out of town is not good for my bottom line or my reputation.

So I guess I will go with your recomendations Mark. If you had to choose a company, of the two which would you buy from.

Thanks for all the reply's,

Sarge

 

The one I heard the most about was Ohio Generators. But I would contact them both and tell them what your amperage goals are and let them give you a quote. None of them are cheap (at least for the high output models).

 

Sometimes it pays to check the grounding connections on vehicles having electrical problems. Poor grounds can be the source of all kinds of electrical evil. Don't know if this is an easy thing to do or not on these trucks.

 

Thanks Mark,

I will call them.

I can assure you that the power and ground is all good on this truck. I already went through all that.

Sarge