Installed my Ambulance Alternator today. w/pics - Diesel Forum

Groves · 03-15-2005, 12:01 AM

Hey All,

Just thought I'd let you all know about the installation of these ambulance alternators.

Some pictures are here

I ordered from the site that others have recommended.
Ambulance alternator purchased here

It didn't come packaged the best, but the thin metal fan shroud was all that was bent, and it bent back easily.

The bolt pattern on the new one is the same as the old, but you need to buy longer bolts. Any old hardare store should carry what you need. They're just metric bolts that are a little longer.

The plug that plugs into your stock alternator has one wire that plugs into an additional place on the stock alternator. The new alternator doesn't use that second, smaller plug, just the big one.

Others have suggested that the wire that carries the current works fine for 130A, but not for 215A, and have suggested replacing it with something more stout.

The stud on the back of the stock alternator that carries the current is smaller than the behemoth on the new one, so it won't fit even if you wanted to use it.

I bought 3ft of #4 welding wire (not wire for wire-feed, but wire that carries current in electrical welding) for $1something a foot, and two copper ring terminators of different sizes, 5/16 and 3/8 I think.

It's a cheap cable to make, and it will handle the current fine.

The serpentine belt is the last change you'll need to make. I didn't ever read about needing to change this, but I found my stock belt *just* barely too short. Maybe I could have forced it??

Anyway, the shops around here did have a separate listing for the ambulance package for the belt, and it is .5" longer or something like that.

It's a spendy belt at $60, but not so spendy that I didn't want not only one, but two. Can't hurt to have a spare in the toolbox, right?

Anyway, it runs like a dream, my old stock alt definitely having a bearing going out, as I can tell now when I spin it.

It charges at idle, and my battery light is once again at rest. My batteries have to be lovin getting charged instead of only drained, too.

Quadzilla · 03-15-2005, 03:05 AM

Great instruction and pics. I'll be saving this for future reference.
Thanks, bud.

Groves · 03-15-2005, 10:49 AM

I should have taken more pics. I can snap some of any part that someone needs to see.

I do like the fact that the heater hose doesn't rub on electrical parts, but can wear til it's heart is content on the metal housing of the alternator.

Matthew

Griz · 03-15-2005, 11:39 AM

Nice write up. If I ever decide to do it, I'll know what I need.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

dtosh · 03-15-2005, 03:53 PM

This just got sent to my favorites. Thanks for the great write up. I will be doing this soon to my truck.

Thanks, Dave

Kevin Ferguson · 03-16-2005, 04:04 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I do like the fact that the heater hose doesn't rub on electrical parts, but can wear til it's heart is content on the metal housing of the alternator.

[/ QUOTE ]

I replaced alternator on my B-II at 200Kmiles. Heater hose layed accross it. Hose wore about a 1/4" groove in the alt, but never lost a hose. I think hose holds grit, and the harder surface takes the wear rather than the softer one.

Paul H · 03-17-2005, 10:56 AM

GEt a second hose braket, and put one on each side. No more hose rub issues.

markcprice · 03-17-2005, 02:11 PM

What you using extra amps to run?

I thought about adding a 1800watt inverter in the tool box sometime, so I can run a saw or something. Some places have reasonable prices on inverters comparable to a gas generator.

Groves · 03-17-2005, 02:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
What you using extra amps to run?

[/ QUOTE ]

In typical upgraders fashion, I don't have anything to run using the extra amps yet. Nothing at all. For $120 something after core returned, I thought it was worth it.

I've thought of a nice high wattage inverter, maybe an electric winch. Maybe I could just hook up some cables and arc weld from it! Kidding of course.

I couldn't see any downsides, and I like the option, and just wondering how easy it was. And it was.

Matthew

markcprice · 03-17-2005, 03:59 PM

Gotcha...
If you want to weld without buying a kit, you may have to set up a 24v system; but I know what you mean.

totljeep · 03-17-2005, 07:12 PM

Is that a ford remanufactured alternator or an aftermarket? I have a Ford AIC and I remember reading something about not using aftermarket alternators with the AIC.

Patrick Feeley · 03-17-2005, 11:35 PM

With the coolant filter, mine runs right over the alt case. I just used a pice of hose, split down the middle to sleeve the heater hose (should be able to see it in my pics). Cheers!

Groves · 03-17-2005, 11:51 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is that a ford remanufactured alternator or an aftermarket? I have a Ford AIC and I remember reading something about not using aftermarket alternators with the AIC.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure. The link at the beginning of the thread shows where I bought it. It's a mitsubishi made alternator I believe. No experience with the AIC yet.

Matthew

Paul H · 03-18-2005, 09:43 AM

Even with the 5ver on and running lights at night it is a huge draw on the Alternator.

If I use the turn signals, as soon as the signal lamp comes on, the rest of the marker lights will dim a bit.

That is where the extra amp output would be worth it to me.

Pluss running the radio equipment. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

bigbore · 03-18-2005, 10:11 AM

Thanks Groves. I will be doing this soon myself as I have a lights dimming and discharge at idle that I am pretty sure is ruining my new batteries. The belt info will save a lot of cussing [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]