Alternator problems again...

Icarus

Icarus

Dedicated LVC Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2004
Messages
2,004
Reaction score
3
Location
Ontario, Canada
The battery light came on the other day, pulled into parking lot and it was dead. Got a boost and it was enough to get home, though when the caa guy tested it then, he said the alt and battery were fine?!
I took the batt and alt out and had them tested at two different stores, both said the battery was no good, but only one store had the right plug-in to test the alt and it tested fine 2x there.
Ok, so I figure it is the battery and get a new one. Install it, it runs fine for about 10 min then the battery light comes on again! I use my meter on it, and it's not charging, but draining (12.16V with heater etc on.)
I'm going to pull the alt off again tomorrow and take it to the rebuilders and see what fun he has, as this will make 5-6 alts in 3-4 years or so, and third battery...
Any ideas on what might be causing this would be great, tested for draw and it's fine each time... each part tests fine then suddenly goes dead after days or weeks it looks like... :(
 
i think after 5 alternators i would man up and buy a fomoco alt. and i fo sho would stop using that alt rebuild guy
 
2 of them have been Fords ones, even had the dealer test the charging system, as well as an independant garage on different occasions. This rebuilder I use has been the longest lasting ones :(
I've also upgrading wiring to dual 4g for charging, and 1g for battery/frame/engine.
 
I also checked the 20A fuse under the hood, and the two for the warning lamps inside the car (actually I checked every single fuse and relay as I was doing as draw test.)
 
Check both ends of your battery cables and the chassis to motor grounds.
 
It's all been upgraded to 1G (with dual 4g charge wires) the year before last(?) and has been cleaned and checked today again.
I didn't make it in today to have the old alt tested, but did pick up a brand new (not reman) one and will try that tomorrow...
 
Also change your idler pulley and tensioner since these can cause problems if they are going bad.
 
Just a shot, but have you changed the pigtail on the vehicle harness which plugs into the alternator. That connector is a known problem area.
 
The tensioner and pulley were done a couple years ago, the pigtail was done as well, though I'm putting another on today as it does seem loose to me. I'm off to get the old one tested now...
 
Step up to a 130 amp cobra unit.
You have to push out 14volts at idle or will fry batteries.
 
http://www.dbelectrical.com/c-6119-high-output.aspx

I bought a 200 amp 5 years ago, just had it cleaned up-the rectifier post did not have a tight connection (design flaw in these systems) so I had it replaced by a local rebuilder that i've used for over 20 years. I also had a smaller pulley installed so I get more idle rpms. For a little over $200, one of the best upgrades I ever made.
 
ford nut said:
Are you pushing 14v or better at idle?
Click to expand...
With the old or new one? Once these cars warm up the voltage doesn't always stay over 14V fwiw, (on any 4G alt, cobra linc etc)...
It's fixed now though. Alternator was dead even though it tested fine at two stores (Canadian Tire and a PartSource.) Took it to the rebuilders and they said it was done (not charging, they will take it apart later this week and let me know what died.) I have new one installed now (not a reman) and new battery.
 
Yes, I've heard good things about DB and some others, wish it was cheaper to ship stuff like this across the border :(
 
Icarus said:
With the old or new one? Once these cars warm up the voltage doesn't always stay over 14V fwiw, (on any 4G alt, cobra linc etc)...
It's fixed now though. Alternator was dead even though it tested fine at two stores (Canadian Tire and a PartSource.) Took it to the rebuilders and they said it was done (not charging, they will take it apart later this week and let me know what died.) I have new one installed now (not a reman) and new battery.
Click to expand...

Old or new, I have a old one and it pushes well over 14v.
hate to say it but you can't trust box store'z to check these alts.
I guess I never have checked it after a harsh drive, something I will have to do this summer.

Sucks being north of the border, darn shipping.
Drive it down to the twin cites and we will put a DB on it.

;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 180 (members: 0, guests: 180)
Back
Top