Truck dead...Alternator??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 12-04-2007, 06:39 PM

Well, I took my "new" truck on a highway jaunt today and it didn't end so well. When I got off of the highway the truck started surging at idle, the blinkers quit, and the radio came on and off. There was no power, and it just stumbled when I gave it gas but kept going. SES light came on. She made it all the way home but now won't start, otherwise I would put the voltmeter on it.

Observations: there was a squeeking sound coming from the alternator, but it stopped, possible bearing failure? The engine surging (tbi) felt like fuel starving, could this have been from a lack of voltage to the fuel pump or injectors?

ps-the p.o. said the alternator was just replaced and they couldn't get the ammeter to work. Hmmm...

Any thoughts before I go spending cheese ($$$)?

**old Rusty C10** · 12-04-2007, 07:07 PM

WELL a swueak out of the alternator could be one of a couple things usually the bearing is going bad or if it was out of allignment with the other pulleys its possible that there was a slight squeak with the belt.. also belts will squeal if they are loose but thats usually real loud and all..
Dirst thing id do is make sure that the connections on the alternator are good the bolt on the back of it is nice and tight and the battery cables are on right.. once that is confirmed id boost or charge the battery and check the voltage.. if that isnt possible after checking the connections and confirming they are good, id pop out the alternator and run it to like Autozone and have em bench test it for free.... is there any paperwork from the PO that would give you a warranty from the PO's swapout?
PS id have the battery checked too make sure you didnt fry that in the process of the whole thing

**LEEVON** · 12-04-2007, 07:13 PM

Thanks, just wanted to confirm I was heading in the right direction. I e-mailed the p.o. for the paperwork, but I'm not holding my breath.

A couple of other things were misrepresented too...like "no oil leak". What he really meant was "no oil leak, but MULTIPLE leaks". I spent yesterday fixing an oil leak (sending unit), tranny leak (pan gasket) and coolant leak (heater hose).

By the way OldRustyC10, thanks for the help on the sending unit. O'Reilly had one in stock for $23 but it still took 45mins to find! Not knocking the guys here, they're actually the best I've dealt with.

12-04-2007, 06:39 PM	#1
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,919	Truck dead...Alternator??? Well, I took my "new" truck on a highway jaunt today and it didn't end so well. When I got off of the highway the truck started surging at idle, the blinkers quit, and the radio came on and off. There was no power, and it just stumbled when I gave it gas but kept going. SES light came on. She made it all the way home but now won't start, otherwise I would put the voltmeter on it. Observations: there was a squeeking sound coming from the alternator, but it stopped, possible bearing failure? The engine surging (tbi) felt like fuel starving, could this have been from a lack of voltage to the fuel pump or injectors? ps-the p.o. said the alternator was just replaced and they couldn't get the ammeter to work. Hmmm... Any thoughts before I go spending cheese ($$$)? __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-04-2007, 07:07 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,345	Re: Truck dead...Alternator??? WELL a swueak out of the alternator could be one of a couple things usually the bearing is going bad or if it was out of allignment with the other pulleys its possible that there was a slight squeak with the belt.. also belts will squeal if they are loose but thats usually real loud and all.. Dirst thing id do is make sure that the connections on the alternator are good the bolt on the back of it is nice and tight and the battery cables are on right.. once that is confirmed id boost or charge the battery and check the voltage.. if that isnt possible after checking the connections and confirming they are good, id pop out the alternator and run it to like Autozone and have em bench test it for free.... is there any paperwork from the PO that would give you a warranty from the PO's swapout? PS id have the battery checked too make sure you didnt fry that in the process of the whole thing __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-04-2007, 07:13 PM	#3
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,919	Re: Truck dead...Alternator??? Thanks, just wanted to confirm I was heading in the right direction. I e-mailed the p.o. for the paperwork, but I'm not holding my breath. A couple of other things were misrepresented too...like "no oil leak". What he really meant was "no oil leak, but MULTIPLE leaks". I spent yesterday fixing an oil leak (sending unit), tranny leak (pan gasket) and coolant leak (heater hose). By the way OldRustyC10, thanks for the help on the sending unit. O'Reilly had one in stock for $23 but it still took 45mins to find! Not knocking the guys here, they're actually the best I've dealt with. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 12-04-2007 at 07:19 PM.



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