Tonight as I was driving around having a bit too much fun, I pushed my truck above the redline.. like probably a tad bit too much.. I dont know RPM wise because I have no tach (thanks again ford engineers) but it was winding out by the time i shifted... Anyways as the engine was screaming I noticed the battery light came on and my voltage started dropping... I quick slowed down and shifted and the voltage went back to normal and the battery light went off.

So im wondering, is something wrong with my truck or what exactly happend... I know it was stupid to go above redline.. Usually I shift from 2nd to 3rd at 35 mph, i was pushing about 43-44mph...

Any ideas...?

 

I am not sure, however I have a `94 XLT that when I pushed it to about 6500 RPMs would do the same thing, I just learned not to push it so hard. I would however like to know what causes this. I thought that it might be theh ALT or battery and so I replaced both with upgraded parts. The only thing that didn't get redone was the wiring.

 

Well Ive definately learned im not pushing it like that again.. Only unless for some reason I have too.

Another question.. Can you ever push a manual too far and damage your engine? So at where I pushed my engine, could I have damaged it?

 

If its possible, you may of exceeded the rev limit of the alternator and overspun it for a moment.

Im not sure if just the one time would of damaged it or not. Keep an eye on things for a few days though.

 

The tach was optional on your year truck and the owner chose to buy it without one. And, OBTW, engineers don't decide vehicle content. Marketing people do that based on studies of customer wants versus the price they are willing to pay.

As to your light, your alternator is probably on its way out. The engine and alternator can't overrev on accel because the engine has an RPM limiter. The engineers were responsible for that.

 

 

Well looks like I get to be grumpy at the previous owner haha. Sorry Ford Engineers my bad.

Hmm, well is there anyway I can tell if the alternator is bad or not? Does it need to be pulled to be checked or what...?

 

Places like auto zone or advanced auto will test it for free.

 

its most definitely your alternator, easy fix though. i changed mine in about 40 mins, but thats on my 3.0, shouldnt be to much different for you.


good luck.
mike

 

Well the thing is it only happends when I really over revved it.. driving it like I normally do I dont get it..

PS: HOw hard is it to change the alternator yourself? What all is involved?

 

its very easy, on mine all i had to do was take the tension off the belt, unbolt a bracket or 2 and then she pulled out, like i said it took me about a half hour 40 mins.

very easy to do.

good luck.
mike

 

Hmm okay, ill probably have to pull it out next weekend.. Not a whole lot of time to pull it out this weekend..

Thanks.