Low voltage
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 37
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From: Steelton, PA
Low voltage
93 F150, 4.9. 150,000 miles
Driving home my wipers were very slow as were the turn signals. I noticed the voltage was down to about 9 volts.
Got home but guessing the alternator gave up?
Driving home my wipers were very slow as were the turn signals. I noticed the voltage was down to about 9 volts.
Got home but guessing the alternator gave up?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Steelton, PA
If you have the time and the knowhow, it wouldn't be a bad idea to upgrade to a 3G. It's like night and day between that one and the stock 2G.
What's involved? I am new to Fords so forgive me for asking?
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Charlotte, NC
3G is the third generation of Ford alternators. They put out 130 amps where the factory 2G (second generation) alternators put out I guess around 75 or so amps. You'll need to get a alternator off of a little bit later model Ford vehicle along with the alternator plug.
You'll also need a 4 gauge wire to run from the alternator to the terminal on the starter solenoid where the positive battery cable connects.
They sell wiring kits on ebay and other sites for about $40 bucks or you can buy the wiring separately and put it together yourself. If you get the kit, all you'll need is the alternator.
Regarding the alternator plug, you'll need to clip your existing alternator connection and solder the 3G alternator plug onto it. You may or may not have to grind the alternator bracket. I've never done one on a 4.9, so it may be a bit easier or a bit more difficult, but that's pretty much the extent of it. I did my upgrade in probably an hour or so.
Here's a few writeups on the conversion:
http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55169
http://www.oldfuelinjection.com/?p=75
http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/...ad.php?t=26658 (This one shows a visual of the different 3G alternators to help you choose the right one)
http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenance/130a-tech.html
You'll also need a 4 gauge wire to run from the alternator to the terminal on the starter solenoid where the positive battery cable connects.
They sell wiring kits on ebay and other sites for about $40 bucks or you can buy the wiring separately and put it together yourself. If you get the kit, all you'll need is the alternator.
Regarding the alternator plug, you'll need to clip your existing alternator connection and solder the 3G alternator plug onto it. You may or may not have to grind the alternator bracket. I've never done one on a 4.9, so it may be a bit easier or a bit more difficult, but that's pretty much the extent of it. I did my upgrade in probably an hour or so.
Here's a few writeups on the conversion:
http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55169
http://www.oldfuelinjection.com/?p=75
http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/...ad.php?t=26658 (This one shows a visual of the different 3G alternators to help you choose the right one)
http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenance/130a-tech.html
Last edited by qdeezie; Dec 10, 2012 at 07:01 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 37
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From: Steelton, PA
Thanks.
I ended up just putting on a stock replacement yesterday. This is a basic work truck, no power nothing, and though that upgrade looks great, I think I am good on the 75 amps. for now.
I ended up just putting on a stock replacement yesterday. This is a basic work truck, no power nothing, and though that upgrade looks great, I think I am good on the 75 amps. for now.