Ford (Motorcraft) "Heavy Duty" alternator-visual ID

[bluedog225]

Is there a way to tell a heavy duty alternator from a standard with a visual inspection? I went to buy one today (non Motorcraft) and the guy assured me it was the heavy duty model. I asked him how he knew this and he stated that "it had a longer warranty." Sounded like BS to me.

Thanks

Tom

[daveb]

Mine said 200 amp on the box. Don't go by "heavy duty". A heavy duty Ford alternator might be the difference between a 130 amp standard as compared to a "heavy duty" Ford 140 amp. Those are examples only.

[edit]
Mine is an MCI, purchased through Superiordc.com 209 668-2200. Don't have a clue how it stacks up against other alternators as far as quality.

[bluedog225]

ok. Thanks

[Ford_6L_E350]

If it is a Ford alternator, they will all look the same. The PN is really the only way to tell them apart.

Mike

[etbadger]

The 6.0L diesel uses a small-case 6G alternator stock. Most high-output alternators will be a large-case 6G, which uses the same mount points, but the body is physically larger. The greater size allows for more windings, and less heat-generation for a given output.

Right is stock, left is a 200amp replacement:


Note that the pulley is a touch smaller as well since I wanted to have more output at idle.

-Erik

[Ford_6L_E350]

Sorry, I missed the part about non-Motorcraft.

Here is where I got my high output alternator:

http://www.alternatorparts.com/6g-serie ... nator.html

Mike

[bluedog225]

Thanks everyone. I ended up telling the mechanic to put in a "heavy duty motorcraft." I didn't specify "high output."

My bad.

It's rated at 114 amps. I don't use the house battery all that much. Really just replacing as routine maintenance as the original is 15 years old. Also may install solar down the road.

I appreciate the help.

Tom

[vlamgat]

For the record - these guys sold me a 250 amp alternator which has proved superb.

"DC Power Engineering Sales" <sales@dcpowerinc.com>