3FE alternator issue?

[spfrancis]

Hello,
I was wondering if I could get some input from other 3FE (91 80 series) folks out on the forum? I am having an issue the last time I started up my cruiser that 3 lights came on, and stayed on: brake light, A/T oil and Volt light. I check my AT fluid, and it looks and my brake is definitely okay. I did some searching and folks seem to point to a possible alternator issue. The folks on that thread talk about replacing brushes as a good first step. I called CDan this mornin, and it doesn't sound like he has ever sold parts for the 80Amp alternator that mine would have. He recommends getting a refurbed unit, as mor economical. It sounds like the newer motor has more options with replacing parts of the alternator. I guess my main question is if other folks have had issues with that particular alternator, and have found issues withat that. If the Alternator is the right option, should i go with something from Toyota, or look at some of these other options like Denso, which some folks seem to be happy with.

Thanks for any insight.
Sony,

 

[jonheld]

Your alternator is most likely done now, but you should verify by checking the voltage output. Those 3 lights indicate a charging error which could be a cable problem; a battery problem; or most likely an alternator problem.
The 80 amp unit is not rebuildable like the 90 amp unit in some 92 3FE equipped 80s or the 1FZ 80s. I would stay OEM and get a refurb unit, which is made by Denso.

 

[Aggiesdm]

I had consistently low voltages for a while with my 3FE and knew it was the alternator going out. The 80amps alternators aren't easily serviceable or rebuildable from what I could find, so I ended up sourcing an OEM unit from a junkyard with 120K miles on it for $20 and it has been running strong for over a year now. Figured if I can get a couple of years out of it, then I'll be happy. It seems to be operating normally!. It takes about 40 minutes to replace and was a fix for my problem.

Also, before i installed it, I took the junk-yard-find to Napa and they tested and verified that it was working properly. I cleaned it up and made sure all connections were clean and strong.

This is just a suggestion, so make decision based on your needs. My LC is just a weekend fun wagon, so I don't rely on it daily for transportation. Although I do want it to be reliable, I also don't want to throw $250-300 towards a remanufactured unit if I don't have to.

 

[pjskinner]

I had the same issue, luckily the lights came on when I was about a block away from home after wheeling 150 miles away all days. Anyhow, replace it with a good used one (tested) or replace with a reman unit. There are threads on here about how to quickly replace the alternator, so check those out. While you are at it replace the belts. it might add 5 minutes to the job. Good luck!

 

[jonheld]

There are threads on here about how to quickly replace the alternator

There is no "quick" alternator replacement on a 3FE.

 

[jakesiar]

X2, no easy way to replace it... Tight spaces but it can be done and is not that difficult. I would check all belts and replace if necessary while you are in there.

 

[Aggiesdm]

There is no "quick" alternator replacement on a 3FE.

I may have rose colored glasses looking back on my replacement time. Could have been an hour or so? Or maybe I'm just that good?

 

[spfrancis]

Excellent information, thanks for all the quick replies. I will probably look down the path of replacing with a tested reman'ed alternator. I didn't want to plop down the $ if it didn't fix the problem. I will search on checking the voltage output to see if I can test that first before ordering the alternator. Thanks very much.

 

[Florida 80]

Sounds like you have this handled, but just to second what Jon said about the factory reman unit.

When I bought my 92 the guy said he had just replaced the alternator. Needless to say it lasted about a year and died on me. It was a Napa alt, so I replace with the Toyota reman and it's been great ever since. Definitely worth the extra coin!

The job is pretty strait forward. I wouldn't worry about taking it on. It would be a good time to replace belts also.

Good luck!

 

[jynx]

I put a 90A unit in place of my 80A unit last year. My regulator went haywire and I was getting some crazy voltage spikes. It takes a little modding of the alternator but it was worth it IMO. And to second what @jonheld said, there is no easy way to get at it. It is on the bottom of the block under the air pump. If it can be done in an hour, I would be very impressed.

 

[mthom916]

I just installed a Mean Green Alternator in my 91. The
first mean green lasted 6+ years. Also did the belts.

 

[Aggiesdm]

I put a 90A unit in place of my 80A unit last year. My regulator went haywire and I was getting some crazy voltage spikes. It takes a little modding of the alternator but it was worth it IMO. And to second what @jonheld said, there is no easy way to get at it. It is on the bottom of the block under the air pump. If it can be done in an hour, I would be very impressed.

You all have me wondering about how long it ACTUALLY took me...

I don't remember much difficulty. I took out the intake cooling fan
and the resonator hoses, moved the fuse panel out is the way,
Then I loosened up the alternator bolts and pulled it out with a little twisting and turning. I just don't remember it being very difficult. Sometimes ignorance is bliss...

Or, since that's the only area on my motor that's not a grease pit, I may have just been in a time-lapsed state of euphoria while working on an area that didn't require me to take a dip in Gojo afterwards.

 

[jonheld]

You all have me wondering about how long it ACTUALLY took me...

I don't remember much difficulty. I took out the intake cooling fan
and the resonator hoses, moved the fuse panel out is the way,
Then I loosened up the alternator bolts and pulled it out with a little twisting and turning. I just don't remember it being very difficult. Sometimes ignorance is bliss...

Or, since that's the only area on my motor that's not a grease pit, I may have just been in a time-lapsed state of euphoria while working on an area that didn't require me to take a dip in Gojo afterwards.

You had to have removed the smog pump, or in my case a York as it sits almost on top of the alternator. Since the rear of the alternator is almost up against the exhaust manifold, there is very little wiggle room.
I have gone through several alternators since 1991, and while they are not difficult to replace, it does take some time, especially if you need to deal with corroded/stubborn hardware. If you did it in an hour, then you left some parts in your driveway
I would say that from disconnecting the positive battery terminal to getting the tension just right on the belts, checking the voltage and closing the hood with the engine running would be a good 2+ hours of continuous labor. That's assuming that everything comes out and goes back in without issue and it's a warm, sunny day with birds singing.

 

[pjskinner]

I just did mine this weekend, first time ever replacing an alternator on a 3FE and it was not too difficult. It took me more than an hour, but there is a learning curve. I am positive the next time I do it I could get it done in not much more than an hour without any parts left in the driveway

-Disconnect battery
-Remove cooling fan duct
-loosen PS steering pump and tilt it down
-remove hoses that go in an out of smog pump
-remove smog pump
-remove alternator
-take a picture for instagram
-post previously mentioned picture on instagram
-replace the belts (feed them through the radiator shroud around the fan, spinning the fan as you go)
-clean up brackets on a wire wheel
-put new alternator in
-return the smog pump to its location
-put PS pump back in its spot
-connect hoses to smog pump
-put cooling fan duct back on
-check tension
-connect battery
-run rig for five minutes while cleaning up
-check belt tension again
-update instagram status to "#JobCompleted"

Did I miss anything?

 

[CruisinAK]

Not trying to hijack this thread but have a quick question. Does the 3fe alt have a external voltage regulator? I'm having issues with my alt- it's putting out 10.5 volts but I want to be sure before I replace it. Also I just replaced my Alternator belt any chance that has something to do or just a coincidence? None of my dash lights came on.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Golgo13]

When I had to replace my Alternator I think it took 2 hours the first time. That was before I found 'Mud and before I decided to buy OEM from the dealer. The second time(2 weeks later) with the OE Reman from my dealer it took about 40 minutes. There was a lot of stuff in the way, but I managed to work pretty quickly due to the cold. Ran like a champ last time I drove it.

 

[Eicca]

I don't remember removing my smog pump or taking longer than 1.5 hours. I think I took that little rack of VSVs out instead. It's been a few years...

 

[Aggiesdm]

You had to have removed the smog pump, or in my case a York as it sits almost on top of the alternator. Since the rear of the alternator is almost up against the exhaust manifold, there is very little wiggle room.
I have gone through several alternators since 1991, and while they are not difficult to replace, it does take some time, especially if you need to deal with corroded/stubborn hardware. If you did it in an hour, then you left some parts in your driveway
I would say that from disconnecting the positive battery terminal to getting the tension just right on the belts, checking the voltage and closing the hood with the engine running would be a good 2+ hours of continuous labor. That's assuming that everything comes out and goes back in without issue and it's a warm, sunny day with birds singing.

I'll stick to my statement that my greaseless endeavor may have clouded my timing judgment as I was a bit euphoric to not have to deal with the slop. Otherwise, I guess I just don't remember very well.

Seriously, I don't remember I taking long at all. No way it was 2 hours for me. Again...maybe I'm just that awesome?

 

[Aggiesdm]

Not trying to hijack this thread but have a quick question. Does the 3fe alt have a external voltage regulator? I'm having issues with my alt- it's putting out 10.5 volts but I want to be sure before I replace it. Also I just replaced my Alternator belt any chance that has something to do or just a coincidence? None of my dash lights came on.

Thanks for any input.

I believe it has an internal VR, but can't be 100% sure as it's been a while since I had it out.

 

[NLXTACY]

Again...maybe I'm just that awesome?

This deserves a MUD pole...I mean poll