[drhotrod]

I am having repeated alternator failures. With the battery charged and reading 12.5 volts, the reading with the engine running drops to 11.5 volts. This is the third alternator. Any suggestions?

[coolwaterblvd]

Check out your fuel pump it will draw a lot of amps when it is starting to go out or your filter is clogged.

[TOXIC MX]

Check and replace your belt tensioner. It should be replaced eery 50K miles or so. Your belts may be too tight and will cause your other accessories to wear out faster. Also DON'T get a reman or rebuilt one. Go get a Ford replacement from the dealer. They last alot longer.

I went through 3 smog pumps before getting one from the dealer and have never replaced it since nor has my brother who now has the Mustang I had the problems with. All caused from the belt tensioner.

[drhotrod]

I forgot to mention that this is an LX with the 2.3 liter engine. The alternator was replaced by a Ford dealer for the previous owner. Just the day before it went out he had the dash lights serviced which meant that they removed the instrument panel. After the alternator was replaced he drove it for about an hour and it died while driving it. He took it to another Ford dealer who replaced the alternator again as it was bad. He got feed up and gave it to me.

It sounds to me like something in the dash might have gotten messed up and could be causing the alternator to get fried.