IS THIS NORMAL?

SVT_Nthn

SVT_Nthn

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Let me just start off by saying I am no mechanic. I am 18 years old and I just bought my 03 Cobra in November. I have noticed that every time my radiator fan turns on the idle bogs to around 500 rpm from 750 rpm then corrects itself about 1-3 seconds later. From internet research, it seems to be my alternator. The car does have some other signs of a bad alternator such as lights dimming when I roll up/down the windows. What are your thoughts?
 
MG0h3

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These cars also have a pretty weak ground system.

I’ve got a good aftermarket alternator and would get the dim lights when putting windows up.

Once I upgraded the grounds and power supply from the Alt; it mostly cleared up.


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SVT_Nthn

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MG0h3 said:
These cars also have a pretty weak ground system.

I’ve got a good aftermarket alternator and would get the dim lights when putting windows up.

Once I upgraded the grounds and power supply from the Alt; it mostly cleared up.


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THANK YOU! I will talk to my cousin who is a mechanic. If he can't get it done soon I will take it to the local alternator shop.
 
MG0h3

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SVT_Nthn said:
THANK YOU! I will talk to my cousin who is a mechanic. If he can't get it done soon I will take it to the local alternator shop.
Click to expand...

Start reading through the Terminator section.

A couple companies sell a “big 3” wiring kit

Regardless if your alternator is weak, you want to do this.


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ccq8le

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There are a few threads here on different alternator's I personally have used 3 of the ford alternator's (one was under warranty as it failed my second year of owning the car), and am now on my second of the PA 170 amp performance alternator.

I probably will buck up and buy the nations alternator the next time I need to replace, but they are $$$$. I don't drive my car much now days so hopefully I don't need a new one soon and can replace it on my time and before my current one goes out.

No one has really came up with a bulletproof replacement. It has been decided by many it's the heat that destroys them. They are in the bottom of the engine and don't really get any air movement around them.

I am sure others may chime in here and say what they use.
SVT_Nthn said:
thanks, I've heard that they eat them. Do you recommend a specific alternator to replace the one I currently have?
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wckdvnm

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ccq8le said:
There are a few threads here on different alternator's I personally have used 3 of the ford alternator's (one was under warranty as it failed my second year of owning the car), and am now on my second of the PA 170 amp performance alternator.

I probably will buck up and buy the nations alternator the next time I need to replace, but they are $$$$. I don't drive my car much now days so hopefully I don't need a new one soon and can replace it on my time and before my current one goes out.

No one has really came up with a bulletproof replacement. It has been decided by many it's the heat that destroys them. They are in the bottom of the engine and don't really get any air movement around them.

I am sure others may chime in here and say what they use.

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Click to expand...

Big money for some but the J2fab alts *supposedly* have had no failures.
Ken Miley jr on Facebook makes a replacement that uses a different style alt someone may chime in with the type.
 
MG0h3

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Look for Ken Miley JR.

And normal op voltage is 13.8-14.2


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Venom351R

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I just bought a KMJ Titan alternator with the big 3 wire kit, whole thing was just under $400. Those alternators have a pretty good reputation and a lifetime warranty. My alternator is currently good but its burned through 3 before I bough the car. Decided to end that cycle now

KMJ Alternators
 
Bdubbs

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Nations alternator here. I've heard failures from all mentioned above.

If heat destroys the alternators it's likely the regulator. Nations has a external regulator which can me mounted away from heat.

I have mine by the front bumper next to the fog light area.

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MG0h3

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SVT_Nthn said:
if it is lower does that mean the battery is bad and not the alternator or possibly both?
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Both. Either. Neither.

If you have a cooked battery, the alternator will struggle to charge it.

Bad connections can do the same thing though.

Always start with a good charged battery, then test.

You’ll need a voltmeter and understand how to do voltage drop tests to check your connections but I’m telling you, upgrading the “big 3” helps.


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