Ford van electrical/alternator/starter problems

[guido4475]

New dilemma/question---Does the outside diameter of the pully on the alternator make any difference? The one that was on my van to begin with is a considerate size larger than the one that came with the new alternator, also, my original has 8 grooves for the serpentine belt, and the new one has 6 grooves.I can change them with each other, but was wondering if the alternator is designed for a certain rpm range, and the pulley difference may throw this off a bit any thoughts?

 

[OntarioVanMan]

New dilemma/question---Does the outside diameter of the pully on the alternator make any difference? The one that was on my van to begin with is a considerate size larger than the one that came with the new alternator, also, my original has 8 grooves for the serpentine belt, and the new one has 6 grooves.I can change them with each other, but was wondering if the alternator is designed for a certain rpm range, and the pulley difference may throw this off a bit any thoughts?

I would say no difference..as long as the belt is tight and does not jump around on the 2 extra grooves, stays seated...

 

[greg334]

If you have 6 or 8 on the original, you will need to change it.

The diameter doesn't matter in your case, if it was idling a lot, I mean a lot, then yes it would but with you driving on the road, no.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

If you have 6 or 8 on the original, you will need to change it.

The diameter doesn't matter in your case, if it was idling a lot, I mean a lot, then yes it would but with you driving on the road, no.

He idles....alot...

 

[pelgrn]

I had 2 fords with the 7.3 engines and around 300,000 or so the tentioners go out which will cause charging troubles.I can't recall the symtoms,i was lucky my drivers always got the trk to the mechanics i trust.I always carry a spare alt,i take the ford one off when it's good then purchase i new one with a lifetime warranty.I have to eat the core charge however,this is offset went the aftermarket one goes out i take it back and they give me another rebuilt one.My experience is there good for about 200,000 or so.I have a pep boys one on my gasser with almost 300,000 on it,i also have a extra belt in case the bearings seize and it takes out the belt.

 

[guido4475]

He idles....alot...

Ya know? I am sitting here eating an excellent meatloaf dinner made by Debbie, and for some reason, the thought of you, OVM,came to my mind...Spaghetti bender...you will pay...gonna breaka youse legs..Say hello to my little freind!!....

 

[stamp11127]

Yep, the pulley needs to be the same when the alternator goes back in. If it isn't the tensioner may not bet able to take up the "extra" slack in the belt that will result from the smaller pulley. Also, if you use the 6 grove pulley on a belt that has 8 groves you will destroy the belt in a short time. My son found out the hard way on his car...

 

[guido4475]

If you have 6 or 8 on the original, you will need to change it.

The diameter doesn't matter in your case, if it was idling a lot, I mean a lot, then yes it would but with you driving on the road, no.

So, Greg, does this mean that it will not put out as much current at an idle with the larger pulley? this is what I am concerned about, but the old alternator had this 8-groove pulley on it, and did fine.I just didnt know if the new one was set up to put out a certain amount of current at a certain amount of rpm range.Dont mean ot get tecnical here,but I dont want any problems in the future because I didnt do something right to begin with.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Ya know? I am sitting here eating an excellent meatloaf dinner made by Debbie, and for some reason, the thought of you, OVM,came to my mind...Spaghetti bender...you will pay...gonna breaka youse legs..Say hello to my little freind!!....

Meatloaf for a meatball...how appropriate...*lol*

Meatloaf is just an oversized meatball anyhows...

Tell me Guido...when you looked down at the plate..was it like looking into a mirror???

 

[greg334]

The main issue is the number of groves on the pulley, the size only matters if you are pulling a heavy load while idling, like if you were in an emergency vehicle.

 

[guido4475]

Meatloaf for a meatball...how appropriate...*lol*

Meatloaf is just an oversized meatball anyhows...

Tell me Guido...when you looked down at the plate..was it like looking into a mirror???

Oh, you are going to pay for that one....lol..Grow eyes in the back of youre head !! Arent you glad I have a sense of humor?

 

[guido4475]

charged batteries for 14 hours, load tested them,put a new alternator on, cleaned the ground to engine block and starter mount,everything I touched got new nuts and bolts,sprayed my red anti-corrosion spray on all connections.Putting out a nice 14.6 volts at an idle,leaving it run for quite awile to hopefully make sure nothing else causes a problem.

The joys of owning a older,paid for vehicle vs a new one...lol.

 

[greg334]

Yea the newer one you would be sitting at the dealer for four hours waiting for someone to get to your van while the parts changer has tried everything to figure out why it is not charging.