Is my alternator toast?

drinkbrew · 02-01-2013, 05:16 PM

Hey guys, it's been awhile. My bronco has been having electrical issues for over a year. The battery would die when left off, randomly at first. Then it would started happening more frequently and faster.

After troubleshooting for a bad ground and pulling fuses one at a time I couldn't find a "leak". the test light would stay lit no matter what I disconnected.

Last time I drove it the voltage shot up way higher then usual, so I suspected the voltage regulator. I disconnected the voltage regulator and BINGO, no more leak. I though it was going to be as simple as a new voltage regulator.

Now my worry started when i took my alternator apart and noticed that some of the diodes on the rectifier look burnt and one of them had a solder point that was completely loose.

This one isn't loose but it is not seated right.

This is the one that is loose and comes out. you can lift it right out of the diode.

A couple of others just look a bit burnt.

**JBfab** · 02-01-2013, 06:13 PM

Id say get replacement parts from fireguy's site, rpm injection. I wouldnt want to run it like that.

**Ewgoetz** · 02-01-2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBfab

Id say get replacement parts from fireguy's site, rpm injection. I wouldnt want to run it like that.

+1
Or upgrade to a higher output alt from his site.

drinkbrew · 02-02-2013, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ewgoetz

+1
Or upgrade to a higher output alt from his site.

This one has already been upgraded to 200 amps, that's why I was trying to save it.

drinkbrew · 02-02-2013, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBfab

Id say get replacement parts from fireguy's site, rpm injection. I wouldnt want to run it like that.

I checked fireguys site before posting this. It doesn't look like he is selling parts anymore, just tech support. Unless I'm looking at the wrong site.

**cajunrebel** · 02-09-2013, 06:32 AM

http://www.rjminjectiontech.com/
He separated the sites after Ford gave him a bunch of grief a while back. Got an order from him a couple weeks ago.

drinkbrew · 02-15-2013, 03:57 AM

I ended up getting a 3G 160 amp from a e350 diesel for $60 shipped on eBay. I had to switch the pulleys but other then that I should be fine. I'll put it in tomorrow and see if it solves my other electrical drain issues and then I can finally tackle my smog issues.

**351w500** · 02-15-2013, 08:27 AM

Got a link to that or a sellers name ? I need another one for a custom home generator im making.

drinkbrew · 02-16-2013, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 351w500

Got a link to that or a sellers name ? I need another one for a custom home generator im making.

He wasn't a dealer, just a guy who blew his engine a couple months after replacing his alt. I just got lucky with a low offer.

02-01-2013, 05:16 PM	#1
drinkbrew Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bermuda Dunes, CA Posts: 949 iTrader: (5) Bronco Info: 96 XLT, 5.8	Is my alternator toast? Hey guys, it's been awhile. My bronco has been having electrical issues for over a year. The battery would die when left off, randomly at first. Then it would started happening more frequently and faster. After troubleshooting for a bad ground and pulling fuses one at a time I couldn't find a "leak". the test light would stay lit no matter what I disconnected. Last time I drove it the voltage shot up way higher then usual, so I suspected the voltage regulator. I disconnected the voltage regulator and BINGO, no more leak. I though it was going to be as simple as a new voltage regulator. Now my worry started when i took my alternator apart and noticed that some of the diodes on the rectifier look burnt and one of them had a solder point that was completely loose. This one isn't loose but it is not seated right. This is the one that is loose and comes out. you can lift it right out of the diode. A couple of others just look a bit burnt.

02-01-2013, 06:13 PM	#2
JBfab Fullsize Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Emerald, PA Posts: 1,993 iTrader: (8) Bronco Info: 94 C150, 351/zf,5"lift,35" xterains,flow40, mac headers,sag swap, elec fan, 4WDB	Id say get replacement parts from fireguy's site, rpm injection. I wouldnt want to run it like that. __________________ It's not custom if you bought it from a catalog! Visit my build thread- http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/...d.php?t=211825

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-09-2013, 06:32 AM	#6
cajunrebel Chillin on the Gulf Coast Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida, from Louisiana Posts: 1,165 iTrader: (3) Bronco Info: Blue 89' 5.0, E4OD, OBDII, Mass Air, Saginaw/hydroboost, 3G alt	http://www.rjminjectiontech.com/ He separated the sites after Ford gave him a bunch of grief a while back. Got an order from him a couple weeks ago.

02-15-2013, 03:57 AM	#7
drinkbrew Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bermuda Dunes, CA Posts: 949 iTrader: (5) Bronco Info: 96 XLT, 5.8	I ended up getting a 3G 160 amp from a e350 diesel for $60 shipped on eBay. I had to switch the pulleys but other then that I should be fine. I'll put it in tomorrow and see if it solves my other electrical drain issues and then I can finally tackle my smog issues.

02-15-2013, 08:27 AM	#8
351w500 Unforgiven's Pet Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fairfield ca. Posts: 8,456 iTrader: (4) Bronco Info: '90 xlt 351w E40D Truetrac I GOT ROLLER ROCKERS !	Got a link to that or a sellers name ? I need another one for a custom home generator im making.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Full-Size Bronco Forum Advertisement