I already searched this one out but I have a unique problem...

I was checking out my 7 round trailer harness/controller just to make sure all is cool, ( I got the truck last fall and have never had to trailer anything but now I am going to be hauling a horse trailer around this summer) and I noticed that I have 17 volts at the back of the truck. So being the smart guy I am I checked it at the battery. 17.5V

So still being a smart guy I start it to see whats going on. 20.5V while running...

I get back into the truck and read the gauge on the dash and it was right in the middle not letting me know anything is wrong!!!

Anyone else ever get let down by the dash gauges? I guess I have been... This is a first for me...

Now I gotta get the alternator rebuilt! (I did find a post on this forum saying the regulator is internal.) I wonder if I can get a kit or if its gonna be a rebuild/re manufactured unit i get?

 

Not seeing what year truck? Guess it don't matter, ford has been using internal regulators for quite some time, 20 years or more. Buy a Ford reman alternator. As for the gauges, yes I agree they are ornaments, like a go, no-go gauge. Not sure in todays trucks, years back the gauges were 5 volt gauges. So being regulated to 5 volts don't help your situation.

 

I guess I should add that to my signiture or something eh?

1996 f150 XL Reg cab long box
300 CID 6 cyl
AC, Cruise, tilt, amnd rubber floor mats...

The perfect work truck!

 

Love the rubber floor mats, at least you can take a hose to it.

 

the ragulator can be changed out....one for my car, for example is about 12$.

 

The one place I had a chance to call had a "rebuild kit"

• No Regulator
• No brushes

Just bearings. I know enough about bearings to call an industrial supply store for those...

For the 130 amp re manufactured non Ford part they wanted $250 before core refund, so I am gonna call around. I think I could buy 4 or 5 used ones for that price! I live in a small'ish town and we have a really good trustworthy auto electric guy and he is gonna be my first call.

Thanks for the tip!