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Alternator Issues with Added Electronics

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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 03:42 PM
  #1  
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Alternator Issues with Added Electronics

Anyone have issues with the stock alternator when adding extra lights to the EX?

I am adding 4 new lights to the front: Two 7.5" lights at 55 watts. Two 6" lights at 50 watts. I have already purchased replacement bulbs for those lights at 130 and 100 watts respectively.

Anyone see or have an issue with these scenarios on the stock alternator? I have 6.0L.

Thanks.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 05:35 PM
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460 Watts/12 volts= 38 amps or about 32 amps at 14.3 volts (engine running) should not be a problem for stock alternator, however I suggest a DB Electrical 200 amp alternator .... search net or ebay for DB electrical, good stuff and good prices I have their alternator and battery isolator on my truck with no problems and prob 20K miles on that setup
 
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 08:47 PM
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soutthpaw - thanks for the advice. How difficult is it to remove and replace the alternator? It's plain to see how to remove the alternator, I have never done one on these trucks ...
 
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 10:22 PM
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probably one of the easiest alternators around to change can be done in 10 mins
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by soutthpaw
probably one of the easiest alternators around to change can be done in 10 mins
Yep - sits front and center! I'd check your batteries as well - especially if they are original. An auto parts store will be able to isolate the two batteries and load test them to ensure you are in good shape.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by tdappleman
Yep - sits front and center! I'd check your batteries as well - especially if they are original. An auto parts store will be able to isolate the two batteries and load test them to ensure you are in good shape.
Good idea. I do think the batteries are the OEM Motorcraft's - they have been acting a little twitty this winter - even though I live in Florida, some of the colder mornings I could tell they didn't want to be cranking that diesel!!

Also, does anyone know where there is a good write up, or pictorial, on how to change the alternator??

Thanks much.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 09:00 AM
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Very simple - disconnect batteries, remove serpentine belt, remove harness from back of alternator, remove 3 bolts on top of alternator and remove. Put new alternator in place and reinstall the 3 bolts and install serp belt - I'd actually replace the belt while you have it off. The belt diagram is typically on the hood so you can see the correct routing. Plug harness back to alternator and then connect up batteries. I don't think there is anything else which needs to be removed.

Side note on the serpentine belt - check all of the pulleys including the idler pulley for rust or play and check the tensioner to ensure it is keeping the belt tight. Rust on the idler can quickly wear down a new belt and cause it to fail prematurely. A lot of people keep the old belt as an emergency spare.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 10:34 AM
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Excellent, thanks dappleman! Reps given.

I am assuming the procedure is the same for the diesel, with the exception of the placement of the alternator and belt?

I think I am going to buy a good volt meter for the dash and install the lamps and see what happens.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by blowhole

Also, does anyone know where there is a good write up, or pictorial, on how to change the alternator??
Here you go
Alternator Replacement on Ford SuperDuty & Excursion 7.3L Powerstroke | SuperMotors.net
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 10:57 AM
  #10  
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Thank you sir, reps.

The 7.3 looks to be fairly similiar to the 6.0, except the alternator is on opposite sides, and the belt pattern will obviously be different.

Good link.
 
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