Ok...alternator..is going..
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
When you pull the back case off a 6G, most of the solder joints are available for inspection. I haven't seen any questionable joints yet, though I haven't been through a whole lot of them. I used to have a NASA soldering certificate, and I can pretty-well tell a good one from bad.
However, you are quite correct, bad solder DOES occur sometimes, and yes, sometimes it's intermittent, making it a BEAR to find!
I would maintain, still, that a diagnosis of, ".... showing signs it is going out" is pure bunk, and not worthy of recognition!
Pop
However, you are quite correct, bad solder DOES occur sometimes, and yes, sometimes it's intermittent, making it a BEAR to find!
I would maintain, still, that a diagnosis of, ".... showing signs it is going out" is pure bunk, and not worthy of recognition!
Pop
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 428
Likes: 3
Obviously with the batt light flashing something is wrong. And after all the other people have said their alt went out after seeing this I've decided to not take any chances. But I'm wondering wouldn't it be possible when testing that the alternator was charging and then stopped and then started again?? Would that be a cause for concern?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
One bad diode can cause all sorts of issues, and yet, the alternator as a unit will continue to charge and never blink that idiot light.
I've seen plenty of alternators that were "showing signs it is going out". They don't just either work or not-work.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 2
I qualified my statement with working "properly". 
You're right. The alternator can be operating but perhaps not within specification. I'm just suspicious that the alternator tested fine and that's why the salesperson gave you no explanation. But it's not my truck and I'm just the suspicious type anyway.
You're right. The alternator can be operating but perhaps not within specification. I'm just suspicious that the alternator tested fine and that's why the salesperson gave you no explanation. But it's not my truck and I'm just the suspicious type anyway.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: augusta, ga.
i would try to get it replaced quickly. my battery light started going on and off, i ordered another alternator. got it installed about two weeks after the light started initially flashing. well, i just had to replace the ficm on the truck. i am not a mechanic, but i have read that others have had issues that seemed as if driving with a faulty altnernator caused ficm problems.
stan myers
stan myers
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 0
OK, the other day in this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7732800 I wrote:
(we were talking about rebuilders and rebuilt alternators)
--------------
"If they're any good, you'll most likely end up with a much more reliable unit as a result. The key elements are:
"The best lubricant in the best-quality bearings.
A high-quality regulator/brush assembly (and there are some cheap-o's out there).
A well-balanced rotor with good commutator rings.
"Diodes, unless you've abused the alternator, don't normally fail, and can be re-used if they check OK.
"If the rebuilder pays attention to this stuff, you'll get a good one. Unfortunately, custom rebuilders are becoming like buggy-whip manufacturers.
"Most are high-volume shops that use cheap labor and cheap parts. It's why a LOT of the parts-house rebuilds have a considerably-lower MTBF."
------------------------
So......
What do YOU think makes for a "quality" rebuild? Would you add or subtract anything? Any additional comments?
Thanks,
Pop
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7732800 I wrote:
(we were talking about rebuilders and rebuilt alternators)
--------------
"If they're any good, you'll most likely end up with a much more reliable unit as a result. The key elements are:
"The best lubricant in the best-quality bearings.
A high-quality regulator/brush assembly (and there are some cheap-o's out there).
A well-balanced rotor with good commutator rings.
"Diodes, unless you've abused the alternator, don't normally fail, and can be re-used if they check OK.
"If the rebuilder pays attention to this stuff, you'll get a good one. Unfortunately, custom rebuilders are becoming like buggy-whip manufacturers.
"Most are high-volume shops that use cheap labor and cheap parts. It's why a LOT of the parts-house rebuilds have a considerably-lower MTBF."
------------------------
So......
What do YOU think makes for a "quality" rebuild? Would you add or subtract anything? Any additional comments?
Thanks,
Pop
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 18
From: Millersburg, OH
In my neck of the woods that's still a very valid term.
http://www.visitamishcountry.com/
http://www.co.holmes.oh.us/
http://www.visitamishcountry.com/
http://www.co.holmes.oh.us/
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 338
Likes: 1
From: Barbourville Ky
Obviously with the batt light flashing something is wrong. And after all the other people have said their alt went out after seeing this I've decided to not take any chances. But I'm wondering wouldn't it be possible when testing that the alternator was charging and then stopped and then started again?? Would that be a cause for concern?
If you think you are having a problem chances are you do.
I read the original post as he just decide to have it checked and was told Signs of going bad.Op didnt mention any other problems.
If you are having a flickering light ,headl lights going bright and dim or low voltage then by all means have it replaced.but if everything seems normal why spend money when its not necessary.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
NAPA is my choice... Lifetime warranty, and have bigger units. You might also check with a local limo shop... those things use alot of juice, and ussually, when sent to the conversion shop, are outfitted with dual setups. I have used DB, and they are reputable. Most big cities have starter and alternator rebuilders, and they will take your old one and do what ever you want.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
