electrical

[hartwrenches]

Does anybody remember in the early 90's fords when the alternator goes bad, it takes out the starter? I remember something about having to replace the battery, alt, and starter all close to the same time because of some kind of related failure.

I might be wrong and remembering with Alzheimer's.

Anyways, the starter has been replaced 3 times an the battery once, just looking for root cause.

The starters were 6 months between.

 

[Robert_1967]

I dont know about the starters, but I know when the alt. starts to go bad, and doesn't convert the AC to DC it will take out the battery and the grey box on the side for the dist.

 

[SMTGREG]

The biggest cause of starter failure is cheap reman starters. Low voltage when cranking is the next. Check cable voltage drop while cranking. With with the leads at both ends of the cable while cranking it should be less than .5 volts. Test the ground in the same way and engine to neg terminal. Also have Battery load tested.

 

[hartwrenches]

low voltage

Would a low battery voltage have the same affect as high voltage drop across the starter cable.

 

[SMTGREG]

Yes!!! Low voltage at the starter means there is less available amperage to do the same amount of work.

 

[hartwrenches]

starters

Turns out the cables were craptacular. Replaced the cables and trickle charged the battery. Everything is works great now.

I read about a battery tester that's gauge style and can be permanently installed in your truck. Has anyone heard of these?

And no its not just a volt or amp gauge.