Alternator Toast

[the_hammer]

I have just been informed by my mechanic that my alternator has packed it in. My truck has 64000 km on it. Seems a little early to me.

Has anyone else had one go this early?

Of course batteries are now toast. Those need to be replaced also.

Has anyone added the second alternator, and if so, what are the part numbers for all the stuff required to do so.

Thanks

 

[bushpilot]

the 2nd alternator would be a JOB and a Half to retro-fit.

its output is computer controlled &
acts more like a backup to the primary.

the intercooler TUBES are different
(smashed or restricted) on the duel
alternator trucks as well.

whats your set up ? are you requiring
additional current ?

perhaps a higher output BOLT ON
replacement would better suit you.

 

[6LMonster]

We have 70,000 miles on our '05 Excursion and I have replaced the alternator twice.....Welcome to the club!

 

[Black06]

I have just been informed by my mechanic that my alternator has packed it in. My truck has 64000 km on it. Seems a little early to me.

Has anyone else had one go this early?

Of course batteries are now toast. Those need to be replaced also.

Has anyone added the second alternator, and if so, what are the part numbers for all the stuff required to do so.

Thanks

New one at 30,000 miles. Internal voltage regulator. Batteries were fine however. Good luck.

 

[CHPMustang]

Just replaced the stock alternator last night,it made it to 66k miles which I guess is not bad when putting it up against other trucks.

I purchased new alternator with a lifetime warranty included

 

[the_hammer]

the 2nd alternator would be a JOB and a Half to retro-fit.

its output is computer controlled &
acts more like a backup to the primary.

the intercooler TUBES are different
(smashed or restricted) on the duel
alternator trucks as well.

whats your set up ? are you requiring
additional current ?

perhaps a higher output BOLT ON
replacement would better suit you.

Bush,

I run a sattelite radio, radar detector, and cel phone charger. I try to remember to shut the sattelite and detector off at night, but sometimes forget. I only use the cel phone charger as required.

I do tow occasionally.

What would you reccomend as a solution??? I want to put the right system together since I am fighting with Ford Re warranty. If they don't go good for it I will put it together myself with appropriate aftermarket parts.

 

[Kleetus]

The loads you're talking about are (uh.. should be) a drop in the bucket for what these trucks systems have to handle for a cold engine start.

I hate to say it, but sounds like these alternators are garbage. I have the dual alts on mine factory, mostly because I wanted the second belt for later accessories. I'll also second the second alternator seems to loaf most of the time. My boost tube is squashed into a triangle. Ford seems to have a hard time leaving things round... kinda like the headers on a 302 mustang... Although, I've been told the regular boost tube fits just fine, I haven't tried one yet.

Just be glad this isn't a crown vic... apparently the new idea is to put a clutch on it like and A/C compressor... guess what.. they don't work either!

 

[bushpilot]

Bush,

I run a sattelite radio, radar detector, and cel phone charger. I try to remember to shut the sattelite and detector off at night, but sometimes forget. I only use the cel phone charger as required.

I do tow occasionally.

What would you reccomend as a solution??? I want to put the right system together since I am fighting with Ford Re warranty. If they don't go good for it I will put it together myself with appropriate aftermarket parts.

im from the skool of OVERBUILT, after ive killed it.
I certainly am pulling LOTS more load than you are & I seem to have
no REAL issue (id like to see a higher charge voltage goin' down the
road but everything seems to be fine as is).

at full tilt i can draw more than the alternator can keep up w/.

when my time comes (after ive fried both batteries & the stock
single alternator) ill upgrade to at least a 200a output unit & i may
consider an underdrive pulley so that i get the output needed while
idling (what little idling my truck does).

bottom line i dont have a recommenation for you...and i dont know
why the excursion guys seem to go thru alternators faster than
anyone else....w/out knowing whats killing things tossing a larger
output alternator might be an expensive method of trouble shooting.

 

[Kleetus]

Actually I think heat is the biggest killers... it's usually the diodes that go out. Most silicon parts give up the ghost when the die hits 150C. That's why some of the big alternators have external regulators or diodes. The windings can take the heat, but the other stuff doesn't do nearly as well. I wouldn't think airflow would be that much different in those, but who knows?

 

[JRJ04]

112k on the original one!