hindustanhick

I have an 88 f150 inline 6 5 speed. The thing is giving me the biggest pain ever. So It is a stock pickup. Last week I replaced the front fuel tank and sending unit and filter. Truck ran fine. Then the alternator went bad or has been bad and just figured it out replaced it, the battery, spark plugs, and positive battery cable. The truck was running fine last night charging the battery and everything and this morning the lights dimmed while running and it died.... Help me out here?

joshtowal

First, double check the battery and alternator for good tight connections. If everything checks out, take the battery and alternator in to get them checked out. Just because they're new (rebuilt) doesn't guarantee they're good.

bubbabud

If you can get it started check chargeing voltage at the battery should be 14.3 volts or close if its below 13volts the alternater is not working. Do not rely on the dash gauge to test you can pick up a cheap digital meter at most parts stores for under $10

hindustanhick

I had the alternator checked just a few days ago when the truck was running fine and it checked out good. I haven't been getting the 14.3 volts when it's running but the alternator is fine.. Could it be my wiring harness? or a blown fuse able connection? I also put my dad's battery in the truck cause I thought maybe my battery was bad and it still does this...

hindustanhick

Also my dash gauge for the charge doesn't work bubba :P

hindustanhick

another thing. It starts fine when it's cold but if I kill it or something it will crank slowly acting as if the battery is dead but it will show 12 volts when it's checked... usually unless I really have just run the battery down.

MikeNorris

Check yer ground connections, especially the main off the batt. that could be the culprit

bubbabud

If the battery is only showing 12 volts then its is pretty much discharged and if your chargeing voltage is much below 14.3 then you are not chargeing properly. how was the alternater tested? did the person who tested it know what they were doing? Take a voltage reading at the alternater output post and compare it to the battery should be the same if the wireing and cables are good. My money is still on the alternater

hindustanhick

I took it to autozone where they bench tested it and everything showed up good.

joshtowal

Will it start and run well with jumper cables? If it will run for a while when using cables, that could rule out a wiring problem and point to the alternator.