alternator problems or connected to my new straight pipe?

[mick883]

Well today I finally cut the stock muffler out and put on a straight 3" pipe. It sounds awesome!!

But tonight I noticed that my headlights seemed dim. Then it was hard to start. When I got to work, i tried to move it forward right after I shut it down. The truck was dead (no battery power). I waited about 1 hour, went outside and the truck fired up (not easily though).

Is this an alternator problem or is it somehow related to my new straight piping (can't imagine it is, but...)

[mick883]

Could really use some help. Tomorrow getting to work may not happen.

Even tell me if the two things (straight pipe and truck not starting) are related or not.

Thanks.

[lcowner]

Coincidence unless you bumped something.

[Amarillo_Powerstroker]

Originally Posted by mick883

Well today I finally cut the stock muffler out and put on a straight 3" pipe. It sounds awesome!!

But tonight I noticed that my headlights seemed dim. Then it was hard to start. When I got to work, i tried to move it forward right after I shut it down. The truck was dead (no battery power). I waited about 1 hour, went outside and the truck fired up (not easily though).

Is this an alternator problem or is it somehow related to my new straight piping (can't imagine it is, but...)

When you straight-piped your truck, did you weld that section of pipe on or was it a bolt-on delete pipe...

If you welded that section of pipe in place of your stock muffler, did you disconnect your batteries before welding on your truck... If not, your problem may be related...

If you welded and did disconnect your batteries or if it was a bolt-on delete pipe, then it is just a coincidence.

[toddy]

Originally Posted by Amarillo_Powerstroker

When you straight-piped your truck, did you weld that section of pipe on or was it a bolt-on delete pipe...

If you welded that section of pipe in place of your stock muffler, did you disconnect your batteries before welding on your truck... If not, your problem may be related...

If you welded and did disconnect your batteries or if it was a bolt-on delete pipe, then it is just a coincidence.

Welding? Never heard of welding an exhaust on a car having any effect on the electrical system. Thats new to me. I have had multiple exhaust welded onto multiple vehicles and have never disconnected the battery. Maybe its something I never heard of. Anyways. Im sure your problems are coincidental. I would first get your batteries tested. My truck did that when one of my batteries had a bad cell which killed my other. Always start with the cheapest repair and work your way up. Take the batteries to autozone and have em test it or take you alternator and you batteries in and have em all tested since the alternator takes 5 minutes to replace on our trucks. I'd be willing to put $5 on it that one or both of your batteries have a bad cell and need replacing.

[mick883]

thanks for the advice guys.

PS. We used end straps to but the pipes together an hold the pipe in place, no welding.

[superxcrewfx4]

I would say coincidence. Its like how someone brings the car in for one repair and then it leaves and another occurs but had absolutely nothing to do with the first repair lol It kinda sucks that it happened but I think it was just something completely random. Alternators are easy to replace so that should be ok.

[dieselcrawler]

I agree, coincidence.

Glad to hear you like your straight pipe!

[lcducote]

welding on a vehicle can effect electrical components... whether it does or not is entirely chance. but it is possible. just thought i would throw that inthe air.

[toddy]

Mick I blame it on you. Now I need a new battery... haha