alternator

[Red_Diesel]

how do you change a alternator on a 7.3?

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by Red_Diesel

how do you change a alternator on a 7.3?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, Red Diesel, but they're pretty self explanatory. Take off your serp belt with a 1/2" breaker bar by inserting it into the fitting on the belt tensioner, unhook the wiring harness, unbolt the alt., & remove. Since you're not replacing your serp belt(right?), you don't have to remove your upper rad hose, just let the serp belt hang, reinstall the new alt.(reverse of removal) & you're set.

[Red_Diesel]

i was just checking because i have never done it before, was just wondering how to loosen the belt. and also should i get a aftermarket alternator since i am running a powerful stereo, 1500 watts.

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by Red_Diesel

i was just checking because i have never done it before, was just wondering how to loosen the belt.

If you look @ your tensioner, there's a fitting for a 1/2" ratchet. Use a 1/2" breaker bar with a long handle & I believe you push the bar to the driver's side & the belt will be loose.

[Jarrod B]

yep cory stated what needs done. are ya getting it rebuilt or putting a new one on?

[Red_Diesel]

Putting a new one on, thinking about gettin aftermarket.

[JSchuricht]

You'll be fine with the stock alternator and 1500w. I ran my 3000w system on the stock alternator for a few months before upgrading to a 200a. Still looks like my lights are shutting off at night, only other difference is I don't see a 50RPM drop at idle when the bass hits.

[Grease Monkey]

If you dont have enough of a capacitor in your system, either multiple or one really big one. That is the only way you will ever cure your headlights from dimming. Your stereo pulls a direct draw from wherever its hooked to when it romps them air waves. If you have it running through a capicitor the energy gets stored there and when the bass hits hard it pulls from the cap instead of the power source like a battery. The OE alternators are pretty good on the 7.3 psd's, unless you get a really good deal on aftermarket vs OE then I would say its not needed. I would say spend a hundred bucks or so and buy a nice capacitor so your headlights stop dimmin also You dont need huge wattage to bump, Im runnin a mere 800 with a custom ported box and two p-1s and I hit at 137 DBs according to the guys at the stereo competition a few months back . Its all about sound waves and tuning them to work in harmony with its enviroment! lol stereos are a science in there own!