HELP - my X is eating alternators
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: West Suburbs of Chicago
HELP - my X is eating alternators
I have an 02 limited 7.3. about 5 yrs ago i put a new radio head unit in. About a year later the alternator failed. No biggie, its old. that one lasted about 18 months. Had a new one put in, it lasted about 12 months. Now ive had new batteries and new alternator in October 2015, it was dead again early december, they replaced that one for free, my batteries tested 95% and all was good for 3 weeks and now she doesnt start again. any help appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
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From: Houston, Texas
Worth a read, it's one possible issue
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tor-eater.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tor-eater.html
Parts store alternators are VERY hit or miss. I've had to replace 6 alternators in 5 months from Autozone until I got one that came close to doing it's job. The DC Power 185 amp is a good option, just don't go over 200 amps. For some reason they don't seem to last long over 200 amps. Ask Living Large, he'll tell you....
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I'd take a gander at the link above, but also consider this:
Parts store alternators are VERY hit or miss. I've had to replace 6 alternators in 5 months from Autozone until I got one that came close to doing it's job. The DC Power 185 amp is a good option, just don't go over 200 amps. For some reason they don't seem to last long over 200 amps. Ask Living Large, he'll tell you....
Parts store alternators are VERY hit or miss. I've had to replace 6 alternators in 5 months from Autozone until I got one that came close to doing it's job. The DC Power 185 amp is a good option, just don't go over 200 amps. For some reason they don't seem to last long over 200 amps. Ask Living Large, he'll tell you....
Your statement should have been "just don't go over 300 amp"
I originally ordered the DC 320 amp ( nothing but problems )
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
I went with a 230 amp alternator from leece-neville. It does an awesome job of bringing the batteries back up while the glow plugs are chomping away at them.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
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From: Kenner LA
My X started shredding alternators after installing the sound system in my truck. The old oem one went out after a week. Had 5 oriellys alternators go out in less than 2 years. Oriellys most powerful alternator for our 7.3's was only rated at 110 amps. Switched to a mean green 220 amp alternator and haven't had a problem since. Also make sure your using good quality batteries too. My truck did not last long with 650 cca and under batteries. Had very good luck with the motorcraft 850's plus I can get them for $60 a piece.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Same here, except the $60 price.... Think I payed $99 ea at dealer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
That's a great deal! I'm assuming you can have them replaced at any Ford dealer?
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