Just an update on my 2006 6.0 alternator change out.
My
MCI alternator was damaged (no cause of the alternator) which spawned this post. I wanted something better than the MCI which produced high amps (200A model) but was plagued by lower than average Voltage that seemed to run around 13.6 to 13.8.
So I ordered a
Prestolite 230A alternator. When looking at it in the box it looked physically larger, so I asked if it was the same case size as the original Ford OME...they said
absolutely yes.
NO. After taking a great little cruise and returning, my mechanic didn't have too many good things to say about the install. He got it in, but to do so it required the removal of the bracket that held the cold air intake tube and the oil intake tube and it required some other modifications, none of which I was happy about. After calling Prestolite, they said "no it's the right alternator and yes you need to make modifications”. That's BS. It didn't say that in the instructions.
So stay away from that company...I had to learn a lesson. That bracket is there for a reason and washboard would have taken a toll. If I would have purchased it from any of the generic auto part stores, I would have been SOL. At least I got my $450 back but took a loss in labor to the tune of 300 bucks
SO, I ordered a new alternator from
Nations who were fantastic to deal with. Although they couldn't gaurentee the fit, they were able to send pictures and info on their stuff, plus they were proactive at least. As it happened, there was a slight mod which had to be made to the case involving having to grind a small groove where a bolt kept the alternator from sitting flush to the blocks mount. This was no big deal but required some extra time pulling it in and out to get it right. Another issue was the 12V connection point that needed to be modified a bit, but we were able to add hardware to compensate for the larger size. Actually Nations suggested replacing the connecting lug and wire leading to the batteries with larger than stock because this is a 270A alternator and is much larger than the Ford version. Because I don't plan to add load, I'll worry about that later. The microwave could pose a problem here if I run it for longer lengths of time but nothing else has changed.
Do I need a 270A alternator? Probably not, but I sure like how it's regulated giving me great voltage. The install was difficult, primarily because we didn’t have the correct bar to release the load off the idler pulley. Having the right tools WILL make things will go better. It took 4 hours to do this job. The correct procedure is to pull the batteries, but doing this would extend the replacement time by at least half to three quarters of an hour to the job. We did it hot, which is not recommended, but I’m used to that. YMMV
There might be other alternators out there that might bolt up…I’m just posting about what I’ve found in my little adventure. Sorry, but I left my camera at home for the pics.
Sportsmobile (AKA Money Pit)
Linear Mode
