Christmas tree

[Khmerbarang]

Hello all - I'm a long time viewer and first time poster.
I have a 1995 series 80 from Japan with a 1hd-ft diesel. Love it, but it has many issues. The latest is what I read discribed as the "Christmas tree" fault. My fault indicators are lit up like a Christmas tree. I've read thru the post and most point to an alternator issue. Before I tear into the alternator I wanted to troubleshoot a little so I checked the voltage at the batteries with the engine off and on: off 12.7V / on 14.1V. Seems ok? I also pulled all of the fuses (suspecting a ground fault) and the lights still stayed on.
I've cleaned the post on the alternator and checked the electrical connection in the back. Also, sprayed both with WD40. Any other suggestions before I pull the alternator.

 

[Khmerbarang]

Forgot to mention - the fault started when I picked up my rig from my mechanic. He is not an electrician so he was unable to troubleshoot. He had repaired an oil leak in the cylinder head cover. I am in Cambodia and it is not uncommon to have one repair lead to another - so I am hoping to do more of the work myself.

 

[artech]

Did you check the fusible links at the battery connection? Not very familiar with the diesel versions but on the petrol versions this can cause all sorts of trouble.

 

[Golgo13]

Not sure how it works in Cambodia, but in the 'States, we can take that alternator to a local parts store and they will check it out for free.
Otherwise, I believe the FSM has instructions for how to check the circuitry in the Alternator with a multi-meter. Shouldn't be a big deal to confirm, but it will be easier with the alternator out of the vehicle. In my '92 with the 3F-E, it only takes about 15minutes to pull the alternator and another 15 to put in the new one and button everything back up.

 

[Khmerbarang]

Did you check the fusible links at the battery connection? Not very familiar with the diesel versions but on the petrol versions this can cause all sorts of trouble.

Will do. Thanks for the suggestion. I had to take an unexpected trip (funeral) and risked it with the LC. Ran fine for an 8 hr trip.

 

[Khmerbarang]

Not sure how it works in Cambodia, but in the 'States, we can take that alternator to a local parts store and they will check it out for free.
Otherwise, I believe the FSM has instructions for how to check the circuitry in the Alternator with a multi-meter. Shouldn't be a big deal to confirm, but it will be easier with the alternator out of the vehicle. In my '92 with the 3F-E, it only takes about 15minutes to pull the alternator and another 15 to put in the new one and button everything back up.

 

[Khmerbarang]

No proper parts stores here.
FSM shows the test under load. Difficult to access the required part of the alternator (especially to ground the "F" terminal) while it is in place. I'll give it a go and post my results. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ozdunc]

Possible earthing issue somewhere. Maybe a loose connection dislodged by the mechanic doing the original work.
With the alternator, check the voltage across the battery with the engine running but with everything else off. Then turn everything on, if the voltage drops below 12.5v and doesn't climb back up its likely to be the alternator.

 

[Golgo13]

A trick I used to do with my Oldsmobile was to disconnect the battery once the vehicle is running. If everything stops, the alternator is bad.
But that was a gas engine, not a diesel. I know next to nothing about diesel engines.