Alternator going bad?

[Shea97Stroker]

Hey I've not noticed that it takes a significant amount of time to start my truck now. I thought it was just cold starts at first but It always does it, just before I crank the truck it sounds like it will barely start like the battery is dieing. When I get it up and running the voltage meter is almost on the 8. I've also noticed that when idleing the voltage meter will go up and down and my lights will dim and everything, kinda weird. Any help would be great, thanks

[Jarrod B]

yep check the alt. and batts to make sure they can hold the charge. if you change the alt, change the regulator also if its external.

[Shea97Stroker]

Originally Posted by bockhold

yep check the alt. and batts to make sure they can hold the charge. if you change the alt, change the regulator also if its external.

alright I'll check up on those three things. Jeez it seems like everytime I fix one thing on this truck something else has to go bad..

[Jarrod B]

Originally Posted by Shea97Stroker

alright I'll check up on those three things. Jeez it seems like everytime I fix one thing on this truck something else has to go bad..

tell me about it

[TexasR.N.]

Originally Posted by Shea97Stroker

alright I'll check up on those three things. Jeez it seems like everytime I fix one thing on this truck something else has to go bad..

Such is the life with these older trucks. What is the voltage on your batteries before cranking and during cranking (get a buddy / family member to help). IIRC you have to take the alternator off to have it checked at the auto parts store.

Also, don't know if you are aware of this or not, but it is best to replace both batteries at the same time.

Craig

[Shea97Stroker]

Originally Posted by HappeetxnR.N.

Such is the life with these older trucks. What is the voltage on your batteries before cranking and during cranking (get a buddy / family member to help). IIRC you have to take the alternator off to have it checked at the auto parts store.

Also, don't know if you are aware of this or not, but it is best to replace both batteries at the same time.

Craig

The voltage was at about 10, just a little bit up from the 8. But today my truck wont even start and I had to leave it in a parking lot and get a ride home. When I crank the truck now the check engine light comes on and then I lose all power, its weird my pyrometer needle will just jump up and down and the inside cab lights flash. I'm going to have to get a tow truck tomorrow and have it towed to a shop

[ponyponer]

did the amp light come on? 9 out of 10 times when this light comes on the alternator is toast. i have had instances in some vehicles i've owned where i turned the key back to auxilary to listen to the stereo in freezing temperatures for an extended period of time, and it caused the light to flash once or twice, but no problems after i drove it a little bit.

[LHMissions]

Originally Posted by Shea97Stroker

Jeez it seems like everytime I fix one thing on this truck something else has to go bad..

What's that old saying? Oh yeah - welcome to the club!

I just had my alternator replaced. $525. Every month seems I'm getting something done. Big or small - it doesnt matter - something always needing to be fixed. This thing is worse then my house! But I love my truck!

[ponyponer]

$525 for alternator? i'm assuming that is what it cost you for the part, and labor. how much of a pain in the *** is it to get to the alternator on these things? then again i have never been to a mechanic so i really don't know if thats steep or not. i haven't had to replace mine yet. come to think of it i have replaced an alternator on my buddies old 97 7.3. it didn't seem to hard to get to. had it done within an hour.

[LHMissions]

$525 is parts and labor. Plus - the mechanic I use is a friend - so - costs are a bit lower then normal - he doesnt nickle and dime me.

On the 6.0 - it is recommended to remove the radiator and shroud - he didnt - but probably woudl have been easier due to having more access to the tension release.