Morning all, quick question, without removing the alternator do have it bench tested, waht are some signs of failure/ I am asking because I have 215000 original miles on the alt. over 7.5yrs, I am the original owner, and replaced the batteries last summer to red optimas due to the passenger battery neg post leaking, they were working fine, just replaced as a safety thing. Can I check with a volt meterwhile it is still on the truck? or just remove it and have bench tested. I guess I am just wondering is the lifespan of alternators, and should it be replaced as a pms item. Thanks.

Stephen

 

If it didn't go bad yet, its probably just plain worn out. I've had them do both and the one on my 2000 gave me a bunch of grief with the stupid 2 pin connector that wasn't making a good connection, I bent the connector pins so it WILL make contact and no more problems.

Whats your voltmeter running at? With the truck running you should see around 14.3 volts on a real meter.

 

hey mike, I am getting about 14.1-14.4 under load with lights on while running. How ya been. I'll send you a pm

 

Sounds like a healthy one to me. I would keep an eye on it, if you see the voltmeter running lower than normal (after the grids are done cycling) then it would probably be time to replace it. Do you have one in your fancy gauge setup?

 

I believe you need to load test the batteries over here the chain auto store have a tester that will have a load tester that tests the battery while under a load for voltage. I have one that can put a 500amp load on at battery. a battery with 13 volts may just drop to nothing with a load. Ed

 

you know after i am all done with the gauges I will be one short, an ammeter would be just the ticket. I am about to mod that panel again, need to bite the bullet and drill every exhaust port to install all 6 pyros though.

 

Stephen,
I think that would probably be easier if it was done on the bench. I'm pretty sure the manifold will sneak out of there without too much trouble.

Ed,
Stephen is only worried about the condition of his high mileage/hour alternator. He's already replaced his batteries recently as a PM item. No problem yet, just trying to take care of a potential one before it becomes a problem.

I'd be willing to bet the brushes are really close to being worn out. That's what happened on my 93 with over 220k on it.

 

I'd replace the brushes as PM - they don't cost a fortune and it's easy to do. (I bought mine at www.fostertruck.com)

If not done already, the starter contacts should also be replaced with that mileage.

AlpineRAM

 

Both ideals, brush package and starter contact package can sure save grief.
Both are simple repairs.