Dead alternator

[bobthebuilder]

So my alternator died this afternoon on my way home from a great mtb ride. I was able to park the truck safely, pull the battery and get a ride home to charge the battery while in night class. I put the charged battery in and got home safely.

Now for the reason for this thread; can a bad alternator drain the battery while the truck is off? Or was my battery keeping my truck running and I didn't realize it was already a weak battery when I parked it?

Regardless, I ordered a reman alternator for $140 which arrives Thursday morning. I'm gonna have a new truck soon

My cruiser has been renamed "The Toad". Every time I crawl under it, there's a fat toad hanging out.

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

a dying regulator (for example, blown diode) on the alternator can cause drain while it's sitting, iirc.

check the fusible links too fwiw.

 

[western flyer]

a dying regulator (for example, blown diode) on the alternator can cause drain while it's sitting, iirc.

This happened to me on another rig. The bad diode would kill the batt in days.

But you just as easily could have been running with a weakening alt.

 

[bobthebuilder]

When I first bought the truck, it'd kill a battery from full charge in 36hrs sitting. I removed the OE alarm and the battery would last about 3-4days. I'd check the battery with a voltmeter each day and it would drain a few volts each day.

Would an auto parts store have the fusible links or is this a Toyota specific part?

 

[raynyc]

Is this diode on the exterior or interior of the alternator? My LC is doing the same thing

 

[Kernal]

Toyota sells them as a set.

 

[raynyc]

Toyota sells them as a set.

Great I'm going to order It and see what happens

 

[bobthebuilder]

Should I get the above pictured item as well as a new alternator? I ran a voltage meter on the truck while running and the meter showed 10volts.

 

[jdsalinger]

Most auto parts stores can bench test an alternator free of charge. Test before throwing parts at it.

I would imagine the fusible link could be tested with an ohm meter.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Is this diode on the exterior or interior of the alternator? My LC is doing the same thing

The regulator costs as much as a good rebuild.

Here's my rebuild thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/606291-alternator-clean-rebuild.html

Here's a pic that shows the regulator - it's the rectangular part with the cooling fins on it:

 

[jbsax]

The regulator costs as much as a good rebuild.


Ding! Skip the work and get a Toyota rebuilt unit. I tried to repair mine and when brushes didn't work, I just bought the complete unit.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Yes, swapping brushes is a no-brainer. The only downside is if it doesn't work you're out $20 and you have to take the alternator out two times.

But if that doesn't fix the problem, it's either time for an alternator upgrade or a new/rebuilt one.

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

Double down and get a Sequoia alternator, photoman bracket, smaller pulley, and new brushes for the sequoia alternator.

 

[bobthebuilder]

So I put the new alternator in after a long struggle w/ rusty/crusty bolts and one broken radiator nipple (wasnt quite ready to install a new rad but guess I will be now!). Unfortunately I wasn't able to test the results of my efforts. I ordered a Spectra radiator (all metal I believe) from a local parts house and will be installing it Monday morning. Guess I should attempt the stupid PHH as well. I also ordered a new fusible link from the dealer (only $13!). I'm hoping this will take care of my electrical issues. Time will tell!