Alternator OR NOT!!!????

[MsM8tress]

ummm ... Debi it's 2 sockets 10 mm and I believe a 14 mm and a 1/2 pull bar .. that's all and there are only 4 bolts and one nut. 20 degrees $hit I thought you were tough ... don't be such a puss...

that is all for the starter? never done one and when it's cold I'm a puss! but all this info now has me wanting to go out there and try some of the suggestions!

 

[NoLimit95]

If your alternator has a bad diode, that means that you have been seeing some dash lighting flicker, especially at first start up and then after a little driving, the flicker probably goes away. Mine was the same way and after getting a new 850/1000 battery and a new Motorcraft alternator, that all went away.

I also say your starter is on it's way out or is now out for sure. It's possible that the connections at the starter are corroded but it gave you advance notice that there was a problem coming. I would say the starter has just went bad finally. You milked them both I do believe!

 

[chicken]

I would suspect the starter solenoid or solenoid wire.

The solenoid wire is the smallest wire going to the starter. It has a push-on spade connector (if it is still the OEM). The connection can get corroded causing intermittent problems. If there is no crank at all it is likely the problem.

+2 that dam s-wire causes a million no start problems

Yes, I should have done it when it tested going bad...could running a bad alt have made the starter go bad??? I don't think so, but would feel better if you told me no way...

no the starter shouldn't even know if the alt is there

dont drive in ditches?

lolol i was thinking that also, wrong way debi lol

Interesting... You say that you hit the key and the lights die. In my experience that is a lose battery connection. Not saying that is your problem, but when you see what I'm talking about you see a quick little zap from the terminal, then I guess it kindof carbons up the tiny spot where it was making continuity, if you wiggle the terminals on the battery, then the lights come on. This is an interesting problem, not sure if anyone is familiar with what I am talking about.

Another thing, an alternator is not going to cause a no start condition by itself, unless its seized and you already know yours isnt. If your battery has enough juice, it doesn't need the alternator.

Something I would try, just a shot in the dark is un plug both connections at the alternator, the red power wire, and the electrical plug, maybe something shorted in the alt is kicking the power like I said above with the terminal arcing.

i agree with the lights issue being out of the ordinary, and its worth a shot to disconnect the alt, next step if nothing changes is to take off the belt, who knows all the revving to get out of the ditch could of seized the alt

hell if its the stock type battery clamps they dont even have to be loose to cause issues, replace them with the old style battery lugs, those crappy band clamps are crap at best

crappy ford clamps lol

that is all for the starter? never done one and when it's cold I'm a puss! but all this info now has me wanting to go out there and try some of the suggestions!

three bolts and a nut debi, just the top most bolt can be a PITA i wouldn't do it on the ground. im also wondering the condition of the batt positive at the starter, ive seen the eyelet corrode off of the cable. id crawl under there and unplug and plug the s-wire and check the positive cable at the starter

 

[XLRVIII]

lolol i was thinking that also, wrong way debi lol

actually now that you mentioned it, an offroad excursion may have had enough environmental impact to mess with that press on solenoid connector

 

[MsM8tress]

thanks again, bro o the way and I will let him know what ya'll said. With the snow coming on and the dang cold, will prolly end up towing to get fixed . I hate that! Say a prayer....or two!

and I don't got the wrong way....I just take detours!

 

[MsM8tress]

ok - Im gonna catch heck for this...but I deserve it.. so here I am to face the lashing.....

The positive battery cable underside is jacked up and was not allowing connection. Despite that inspection of it and removing battery clamps and putting back on several times. My bro has experience with re-doing them and putting in eyelets, we will solder them on tomorrow.

All of your information will not go to waste, I have this thread to keep for future reference, I know I will need it sooner or later.

Once again, let me thank you all sooo much for spending the time to help!

ok - take your best shot - I can take it...(no really I can't take it, I will cry, but I will not forget this lesson! EVER!).

 

[DieselDan]

So it was the connection at the battery terminal. w00t

 

[XLRVIII]

So it was the connection at the battery terminal. w00t

those freaking crappy clamps... it isn't the first time..and it wont be the last.
I take them off my cars literally upon delivery...and replace with larger better contacting lugs.

If you look at those band clamps they aren't even solid, they have gaps in them that allow corrosion and do not provide a good contact with the battery post.

 

[XLRVIII]

ok - Im gonna catch heck for this...but I deserve it.. so here I am to face the lashing.....

aint no fun to be had "lashing" a girl..we'll wait for the next guy to say something dumb and lash HIM in your honor!

GLAD you got it sorted out and found the source of the problem.

 

[MsM8tress]

So it was the connection at the battery terminal. w00t

yes...and I should have seen it...but my initial, and after wards investigation did not reveal it....I am not worthy....

those freaking crappy clamps... it isn't the first time..and it wont be the last.
I take them off my cars literally upon delivery...and replace with larger better contacting lugs.

If you look at those band clamps they aren't even solid, they have gaps in them that allow corrosion and do not provide a good contact with the battery post.

we are going to eyelet it as son as weather allows - you and many others above are correct, and I am held with negligence...my apologizies...

aint no fun to be had "lashing" a girl..we'll wait for the next guy to say something dumb and lash HIM in your honor!

GLAD you got it sorted out and found the source of the problem.

lol hey rich - we need to school XL on how much fun it can be lashing me! lol hey, wait..did I post that.....lololol

again thanks HOTTIES, sorry my stupidity prevented me from detecting the cupret...LUV U

 

[driller]

Glad you found the problem.

 

[MsM8tress]

thanks again for all your help

not pretty - but Im sure LBD won;'t be having that problem again!!! My bro in law and his bro, with a little help (very little!) from me, really hooked it up!!! Whatcha think: they soldered the ends on really tight and swapped out the clamps for pinholes. They are both truck drivers and run a farm and redo all their battery connects like this. Despite the lack of length on the posi cable, they were still able to get amount for the solder. Gotta love good ole country boys!!!