Hey, fellow Toyota Diesel owners!
I've run into a charging issue on my 1978 Toyota BJ40 Non-NA RHD model. The powerplant is a Toyota B Series and the electrical system is the 24V system.
Here are the symptoms:
1. At idle, the ammeter shows negative voltage.
2. At running speeds w/o lights, the ammeter shows "top dead center." It's neither on the positive side nor the negative side.
3. At running speeds w/ lights on, the ammeter shows a strong negative draw.
4. It doesn't take long to draw down the batteries to a point of being unable to start.
5. Testing with a voltmeter shows 24.9v across both batteries, vehicle running. It should be showing 27-29v from all that I have read.
Initial trouble shooting steps:
1. Checked battery connections on both batteries.
2. Checked alternator belt tension.
3. Checked grounding cable to front driver's side (passenger side for those trying to visualize on left hand drive vehicles).
4. Continuity across battery cables is good.
5. Checked wiring for obvious visible issues.
Further down the rabbit hole:
1. After going through initial trouble shooting, I leapt on having the alternator tested since it was only showing 24.9v output when tested on the vehicle in the field. The alternator was dirty, so I delivered to a rebuild shop for testing, cleaning, and repair if needed. The alternator came back to me cleaned, inspected, and "in no need of repair." When asked what it tested at, they said they didn't have a test stand big enough to actually test it. After installation, the vehicle ran well and charged for a day... Then stopped. After doing a good bit of troubleshooting in the field and afterwards at home, I decided to have a professional give it ago.
2. Suspecting the alternator shop I had used, but entirely open to it being another issue, I had the vehicle delivered to a shop that is known to do a good bit of JDM vehicle work in the local area. I gave them two aftermarket voltage regulators, all the info I had, and told them about the suspect alternator cleaning. Being a busy shop, I told them I wasn't in a rush, but I did want it back in a reasonable time. Almost six months later, they tell me they are very confident that it is my alternator since they have done a good bit of trouble shooting and replaced my voltage regulator.
3. Classic Cruisers in Colorado took my alternator in and had a shop they use rebuild and refresh my alternator.
4. Shop installs my newly refreshed alternator. No change in status.
I'm stuck, folks.
What am I missing?
Has anyone had this issue before?
I've been reading forums here and I've done what some have done for positive results. Parts replaced, refreshed, and connections checked.
What else could be the issue?
Any ideas?
I've run into a charging issue on my 1978 Toyota BJ40 Non-NA RHD model. The powerplant is a Toyota B Series and the electrical system is the 24V system.
Here are the symptoms:
1. At idle, the ammeter shows negative voltage.
2. At running speeds w/o lights, the ammeter shows "top dead center." It's neither on the positive side nor the negative side.
3. At running speeds w/ lights on, the ammeter shows a strong negative draw.
4. It doesn't take long to draw down the batteries to a point of being unable to start.
5. Testing with a voltmeter shows 24.9v across both batteries, vehicle running. It should be showing 27-29v from all that I have read.
Initial trouble shooting steps:
1. Checked battery connections on both batteries.
2. Checked alternator belt tension.
3. Checked grounding cable to front driver's side (passenger side for those trying to visualize on left hand drive vehicles).
4. Continuity across battery cables is good.
5. Checked wiring for obvious visible issues.
Further down the rabbit hole:
1. After going through initial trouble shooting, I leapt on having the alternator tested since it was only showing 24.9v output when tested on the vehicle in the field. The alternator was dirty, so I delivered to a rebuild shop for testing, cleaning, and repair if needed. The alternator came back to me cleaned, inspected, and "in no need of repair." When asked what it tested at, they said they didn't have a test stand big enough to actually test it. After installation, the vehicle ran well and charged for a day... Then stopped. After doing a good bit of troubleshooting in the field and afterwards at home, I decided to have a professional give it ago.
2. Suspecting the alternator shop I had used, but entirely open to it being another issue, I had the vehicle delivered to a shop that is known to do a good bit of JDM vehicle work in the local area. I gave them two aftermarket voltage regulators, all the info I had, and told them about the suspect alternator cleaning. Being a busy shop, I told them I wasn't in a rush, but I did want it back in a reasonable time. Almost six months later, they tell me they are very confident that it is my alternator since they have done a good bit of trouble shooting and replaced my voltage regulator.
3. Classic Cruisers in Colorado took my alternator in and had a shop they use rebuild and refresh my alternator.
4. Shop installs my newly refreshed alternator. No change in status.
I'm stuck, folks.
What am I missing?
Has anyone had this issue before?
I've been reading forums here and I've done what some have done for positive results. Parts replaced, refreshed, and connections checked.
What else could be the issue?
Any ideas?
