Alternator Experts: Please Come Inside
Alternator Experts: Please Come Inside I have a turbo 6.0L in a Mustang with the alternator being the only accessory driven by a 25% UD Powerbond. Some time back I had an issue with the stock-size alternator and replaced it with a DR44G to get some more amperage and the self-exciting feature. Didn't realize how much bigger it was but managed to get it to fit.
Recently, I started having an issue where the voltage would be fine at idle and normal driving but drops as RPMs increases and over 6000, it will drop to as low as 12.2V. I am concerned about the effects to pumps, electronics and especially the 5V circuitry. Buddy of mine believes the high RPMs might have caused the big rotor to fling apart and at high RPMs I am running off the battery. Would like to avoid dishing out $$$ for another, if possible, and it looks like Advance Auto Parts might replace it at no cost. Buddy suggests I try a clutch pulley on the alternator.
Looking for expert opinions on this suggestion or any other recommendations.
TIA,
Recently, I started having an issue where the voltage would be fine at idle and normal driving but drops as RPMs increases and over 6000, it will drop to as low as 12.2V. I am concerned about the effects to pumps, electronics and especially the 5V circuitry. Buddy of mine believes the high RPMs might have caused the big rotor to fling apart and at high RPMs I am running off the battery. Would like to avoid dishing out $$$ for another, if possible, and it looks like Advance Auto Parts might replace it at no cost. Buddy suggests I try a clutch pulley on the alternator.
Looking for expert opinions on this suggestion or any other recommendations.
TIA,
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
"replaced it with a DR44G to get some more amperage and the self-exciting feature."
I assume you have the 2 pin regulator. These are normally controlled by the ECM and have a fail safe mode of about 13.8 volts if there is no ECM signal. IMHO they do not put out enough amperage in that mode and do not properly charge the battery. Over time my battery would go down.
I have a thread where I replaced the 2 pin regulator with the 4 pin version which is not use the ECM for control. Others have done the same. I am about to install it in my car and will make a report.
I hope this is of some help to you. By the way you can also get a AD244 alternator with 145 amps which is a very good one and they normally come with the 4 pin plug. That is another option for you.
I assume you have the 2 pin regulator. These are normally controlled by the ECM and have a fail safe mode of about 13.8 volts if there is no ECM signal. IMHO they do not put out enough amperage in that mode and do not properly charge the battery. Over time my battery would go down.
I have a thread where I replaced the 2 pin regulator with the 4 pin version which is not use the ECM for control. Others have done the same. I am about to install it in my car and will make a report.
I hope this is of some help to you. By the way you can also get a AD244 alternator with 145 amps which is a very good one and they normally come with the 4 pin plug. That is another option for you.
thanks for the reply. Yes, it is a 2-pin plug but never had an issue with the battery going down. Hoping I just have a defective reman. Advance Auto Parts replaced it today, no questions asked. Will see if this is any better but will check out your post and progress in case it doesn't.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
thanks for the reply. Yes, it is a 2-pin plug but never had an issue with the battery going down. Hoping I just have a defective reman. Advance Auto Parts replaced it today, no questions asked. Will see if this is any better but will check out your post and progress in case it doesn't.
