Dual Alternators

[Bambi_Bandit]

Question: If a 6.4 came from the factory with the single standard or even the single heavy duty alternator, would it be possible to change it to the dual alternators like the factory option?

If you have dual alternators, if one alternator started to fail, would you leave you stranded or would the other alternator keep you going?

I ask because I had the single alternator on my 6.0 Excursion fail when I was 50 miles from the middle of nowhere in the mountains and no cell service in the dead of winter. I made it back with the AGM batteries that replaced the orginal flooded cells.

I often wonder if I had a dual alternator setup if the it would function as a redunandt and allow me to limp back or not.

[RRose]

I've always wondered the same thing...... I am pretty sure that I was told.... that one alt runs all the time.... and that the second one kicks in when there is a power demand that is more than the first one can handle. Now.... if that is true..... it seems to me that the second one would kick in if the first one wasn't making enough power, such as in a primary failure.

and.... I'm sure you can make your truck a dual alt truck if you wanted too... but it is gonna cost a pretty penny compared to what it would have cost as an option. I'd upgrade to the bigger alt before I would try to get duals in there.

[Stalwart]

I have duals and they both turn all the time. I wouldn't want to install the second if it didn't come from the factory that way . . . pretty tight in there.

[Bambi_Bandit]

Originally Posted by RRose

I've always wondered the same thing...... I am pretty sure that I was told.... that one alt runs all the time.... and that the second one kicks in when there is a power demand that is more than the first one can handle. Now.... if that is true..... it seems to me that the second one would kick in if the first one wasn't making enough power, such as in a primary failure.

Yup, you were right:

2008 F-Super Duty 250-550 Workshop Manual

The key here is that the PCM is controlling it all, so if I did upgrade and bought the 2 alternators, I'd need to see if the PCM could be set for duals...

So, next question: Does anyone know if the PCMs be reprogramed from singal to dual alternators at the dealer?

[4STAR]

Originally Posted by Bambi_Bandit

Yup, you were right:

2008 F-Super Duty 250-550 Workshop Manual

The key here is that the PCM is controlling it all, so if I did upgrade and bought the 2 alternators, I'd need to see if the PCM could be set for duals...

So, next question: Does anyone know if the PCMs be reprogramed from singal to dual alternators at the dealer?

Why don't you just put on a high output 240 amp alt?I seems like it would be a lot more simple.I doubt the dealer is going to be able to reprogram your pcm for dual alternators.

[bkeeton]

I am also interested in upgrading the alt. on my 08 450 . I would think that upgraded cables , harness , etc. would be needed ? Maybe find a wrecked ambulance ?

[zahndok]

I'd bet possibly the pcm is already programed and would pick it up automatically if it sensed the 2nd alt plugged into the harness. Doesn't seem they would want to write 2 programs. Every penny counts.

[bkeeton]

Anyone have the part number -s- for the dual alternator setup , bolts , etc , and/or for a 200 A alternator for my 08' F-450 PSD ? I went to motorcraft.com and had no success locating any alternator over 130 A .

thanks,

blake

[freekyFX4]

Mine came with the single alternator and I picked up the entire setup for the second alternator on Ebay for $80. It includes the second alternator, bracket, cables, and serpentine belt. I have been meaning to call my dealer to see if he can reprogram for it. if he can, I will install it and let you guys know how it goes.

[bkeeton]

Awesome !

Good luck with the install .

-Blake

[n2ocharged]

I was just thinking about this because I was looking at getting an Oasis XD3000 air compressor, but the Air Compressor pulls 180 amps.

[wp6529]

Originally Posted by n2ocharged

I was just thinking about this because I was looking at getting an Oasis XD3000 air compressor, but the Air Compressor pulls 180 amps.

The single alternator may be the 200A unit. Either way, that 180A rating is the worst case maximum and you're unlikely to see that in normal operation. Even then, a compressor is a very intermittent device and the batteries will readilly take care of any power deficiency for the short time the compressor is running. If you are looking for a compressor to do more than intermittent duty, you need to be looking at PTO drive, not electric.

[n2ocharged]

Originally Posted by wp6529

The single alternator may be the 200A unit. Either way, that 180A rating is the worst case maximum and you're unlikely to see that in normal operation. Even then, a compressor is a very intermittent device and the batteries will readilly take care of any power deficiency for the short time the compressor is running. If you are looking for a compressor to do more than intermittent duty, you need to be looking at PTO drive, not electric.

Where can I get an engine driven compressor that will fit an '08 superduty?

[wp6529]

You need to look at the places the equip and sell service trucks. Most common setup I've seen is a PTO hydraulic pump powering a hydraulic motor driven air compressor on a service body.

I've seen a site with a high performance air compressor for service trucks, but I don't recall the name offhand. This unit was supposed to be comperable to a towable compressor and able to power high consumption air tools like a jackhammer.

[wingnut60]

I had dual alts on my previous '04 F350--never any problem with them. But discussions on this forum and FTE at that time indicated that adding the 2nd alt would be physically possible, but the controls (computer) would be almost impossible. Thats what I seem to remember, anyway.
Joe