alternator going bad?

[lx450landcruiser]

well i figured out the trany problem so just a few more quesitions so i can drive it.

if my alternator is getting hot like cant touch hot after a shirt amount of time is it going bad on me?

 

[Romer]

Could be your ground connection to the frame is bad. The neg post from the battery should tie to the frame. Take the frame connection off, and if you don't have clean metal to metal contact, grind it with a dremel and re-attach it. A bad ground connection will cause a highr voltage potential at the alt/starter, etc.

 

[IDave]

I agree with Ken. Poor ground equals high resistance equals heat production.

 

[dv_fj40]

Speaking about alternator; I am running dual batteries via an isolator - basically, the secondary battery is a back up in the event I run down my primary battery. Because of the amount of load I require to run everything (winch, off road lights, radios) - especially at light (off road lights, radios, gps, etc.) I was thinking about installing a hi-output alternator. I was told by a few people not to do this, but to adjust the volatage regulator to output more. My primary battery is a Trojan Outdoor Dual Starting/Deep Cycle 12V 27TM with my backup beinga Trojan AGM Dual Purpose... 27-AGM. My isolator is a HELLROARING BIC-85150A setup as a "basic backup system."

Any suggestions?

Joel

 

[CruisinGA]

Screwing with the voltage reg will only net you more voltage, not more amperage or current capability which is what you want and need. Depending on the year of your vehicle later Toyota alternators are better than the early 35/45 amp ones. You could also have a local shop rewind your alternator for better output, or switch to a H.O. Ford or GM unit, which are both a dime a dozen.

 

[CruisinGA]

well i figured out the trany problem so just a few more quesitions so i can drive it.

if my alternator is getting hot like cant touch hot after a shirt amount of time is it going bad on me?

Like Dave and Romer said, check battery connections, as well as alternator ground (not excessively grimey/greasy. Also clean the output terminal of the alternator. After you clean and reattach all connections, go to Napa and get a aerosol can of battery terminal sealer, its a clear shellac substance than prevents open metal from rusting or lead terminals from corroding.