[Guest]

Just wanted to know if anyone else is dealing with this issue. My battery needle fluctuates down considerably at idle (still within the NORM range) but low. However, when I have the foot to the gas, the needle returns up to the higher end of the NORM range. Is this common, or the indicator of something wrong or headed south??? I tried to search but came up with all types of "other" battery issue.

 

[990]

This is why my truck did, when my altenator started to take a crap on me. It couldnt put out enough juice at idle to keep the voltage up. Soon, it couldnt even keep 14v while cruising down the highway.

 

[Guest]

But what bugs me about this is I just had the alternator replaced last week. Any other posters out there can help me gain a better understanding of this matter.

 

[muddybronco]

Take it back to where you had it replaced and tell them about the problem. Otherwise you might have to get an overdrive pulley from Kilby that will raise the alternator speed at idle, along with at every other engine speed.

 

[884]

I am in a similar situation, though not quite as bad by the sounds. When my alternator went bad a year ago, I went and got a standard rebuilt replacement. Wanted something with higher output than the standard 95 amp, but finding one for under $250 is not easy. Anyway, I needed the alternator, so just bought a rebuilt stocker. My gauge used to never really fluctuate at idle, even with lights, wiper, radio, turn signal on. Now, I get the needle moving, and it does get down toward the low under heavy draw. I don't think there is anything wrong with the unit, it just is likely rebuilt using non-premium parts.

I'd like to get a Powermaster 140amp alternator, but $300 is just rediculous.

 

[1170]

Hi,

I had the same problem two days ago. The needle started fluctuating and after one day the battery light came on. I got a 145 amp alternator at CarQuest for $139 plus core.

Ed

 

[1283]

Hey juice, you might want to look into getting a stock explorer alt. They have one, I guess, for the eddie bauer's 302 that puts out something like 135a and it only costs ~$160 (if my mind hasn't failed me). I would think that it would be the same alternator that the 351 has, so it might work for you.