Replacing Alternator Procedure

PatO · 05-15-2013, 06:15 PM

I'm going to include an upgraded alternator in my FICM upgrade and am wondering if anyone has a link to some R/R instructions or a few hints and how hard it is to do. Thanks
Pat

(Making it a real engine one step at a time)

**daveb** · 05-16-2013, 07:23 PM

Myself, I thought the worst part was the belt. Other than that it wasn't too much of a problem but air tools help. Dropping the batteries might be trouble if you don't want to do it hot. Depending on the alternator make/model, the brackets might not fit. Mine worked OK but I had to grind a notch off the alternator case for it to sit flush the bottom. I also had to install a larger lug on the hot lead because the stud on the back of the alternator was larger. I didn't increase the buss wire because I really didn't add any more load, but it's something I want to do just because. While I was in there I installed heat shield around any wires that needed it. Took two of us about 3 hours but we forgot the belt wrench which made an otherwise easy job kind of a PITA.

**daveb** · 05-16-2013, 08:39 PM

Never had to remove the radiator but pulled a bunch of other stuff off to get to the belt. Found that Ford had left the upper bracket off

**daveb** · 05-16-2013, 08:57 PM

I don't remember...seems like we snaked in the belt.

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-16-2013, 09:00 PM

The only thing I removed was the metal turbo duct. I wish I had known about the locking feature on the belt tensioner. Getting the belt back on was the hardest part.

I didn't even disconnect the batteries, I just was very careful with the wiring.

Mine was easier because I didn't change the belt.

Mike

**daveb** · 05-16-2013, 09:06 PM

I actually sent back one alternator because I would have had to dent the duct to make the alternator fit

what a waste of time and money. After that I ordered from Nations.

JoeH · 05-16-2013, 10:00 PM

You might want something like this. http://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine ... 66344.html

**daveb** · 05-16-2013, 10:40 PM

Left it at work 30 miles away

Carl · 05-17-2013, 04:07 PM

Put in a very large unit from Premier Power Welder when I did the welder. Only issue was clearance on firewall and needed to "re-clock" the connections. This unit uses a much better industrial belt than the one stock.

PatO · 05-18-2013, 08:43 PM

Thanks everyone for all the replies. It sounds like it is more than what I want to do myself. I think when it is in the shop soon for turbo, EGR & oil cooler replacements and other bullet proofing I'll just have it done then. I also peeked at it under the hood... geez it would probably take me all day. Right now I have more money than time.