For this post at least, my truck is fine. However, my buddy has a bone stock 06 with 75k on the clock. He has been experiencing a long crank whether warm or cold engine for about 8 months. This week, he stopped for fuel and the truck would not restart. He called a tow truck and then continued trying to start the truck. After much cranking, it did start. It is at the dealer now and under warranty. However, they are telling him one of his issues is the alternator. The tech told him "if the alternator is not putting out enough amps, the truck will not start" I am not a diesel tech, how does the alternator come into play before the engine is running considering it is belt driven? Any opinions? Doesn't the truck rely solely on the 2 batteries until it fires? His truck cranks with all the power in the world, just will not fire off. FYI at 45k miles, Ford put an alternator and 2 new batteries in the truck after a no start condition. They now suspect he also has a bad FICM which I don't doubt. However, I think he may have a leak on the high pressure side as well. Could an A/M filter cause HPO bleedoff thus creating a long crank? I know he goes to oil shops to get his fluids changed. I know he would appreciate your help!!! Thanks...

 

bump bump bump

 

If the vehicle had stalled while driving and then would not crank I would suspect a faulty alternator but not in this case. The alternator does nothing until the truck is running. In your friends case definitely sounds like a high pressure oil leak.

 

The alternator doesn't even "produce" current until long after the truck starts. The tech is a moron . The A/M filter might cause a bleed off but if there is oil going to the housing it's getting to the HPOP. They should be able to hook the truck up and test the FICM and ICP pressure. IMHO it's the STC fitting and they don't know how to check it properly.

And yes, the truck relies solely on the batteries to crank when it starts. That's why it's so important they are well maintained.

 

Exactly what I told my buddy! I already told him his tech is a moron. I would like to see an alternator put out current before the belt starts turning the pulley. I think he has a STC and maybe a bad FICM. I think he is getting it out of that dealer.

 

alternator will not charge till the gpcm times out. b ut if battery voltage is droping from lack of proper charging then that could cause an issue.

 

And it's amazing how many guys will jump the gun to condemn an alternator on these trucks before waiting for this to happen.