Maybe you guys can advise me...

[sourcemine]

So I'm on the way to pick up my last apt's depoist check and I noticed the inteior lights, well all the but the radio, were very weak, I didn't look at the volt gauge yet.
I'm driving and the battery shut off than the headlights were dim and the car died, I had my roomate bring a battery jumper, and I jumped it and it started up fine... but it wasn't charging..

so i ended up driving down to go home...

I live off sunset strip in LA so I don't wanna get cought with a dead battery on sunset on a FRIDAY night, I Got into a gas station and towed it , the towing company is part of a shop they are going to give me an estimate on a new alternator tommorrow, if that is the problem if not and the guy can't fix it, he is going to tow it somewhere else as part of the 1 tow.

How much should it cost to change an alternator on a 3FE? just oem. and where can you get them?

SOR shows..

020-10P

*REMG ALTNAT*80-8/87-8/92 FJ62/80*80AMP-Availability subject to stock on hand(Special order-Cannot order online-call 818-882-1238 to order) (a Core of $40.00 is already included in the shown price)

323.57

and its not even in stock..


ok well I just put a new optima battery so thats not it, the optima won't recharge it just sits above the red line...

Suggestions?

Current plan of action is to see what the repair place associated with the towing place will charge to fix it(and details on the fix),

 

[lovetoski]

Before you buy a new alt, you should make sure it's bad. Most auto parts places will test it for free.

 

[Benji]

Make sure the voltage-regulator is good. Make sure the alt. is good. If the alt. is bad, replace it with an OEM rebuilt from toyota. They are easy to install.

 

[dd113]

Did the charge warning light come on? Sounds like it did not. If not, check the engine fuse.

You can get the 62 alternator for around $217 OEM with TLCA discount. CCOT has them for less than $300. The regulator is built into the alternator. Should be a less than 2 hr job but it does involve removing the smog pump and 2 belts. If they are not familiar with 3FE motors they wont be very happy with you when this is over! First time is a PITA. I would have them check it but it also could be wireing issues, bad battery, fuses, etc... 62 alternators and charging systems take some getting used to.

65swb45 who posts on this board has a shop down your way. I would get in touch with him and see if he can help you out. His site http://www.marksoffroad.net

 

[sourcemine]

Nope, I did alot of research, from reading other peoples post, it just sounds like a bad alternator..

now what I am unsure of is should I have this shop remove the alternator, and I can go replace the brushes in it, or should I just buy a new oem one..

Toyota parts is saying its 273.53 for the part, and its special order, prepaid, and $179 for labor @ 90/hr.

 

[dd113]

Like I said, it might be the alternator but there are a pile of other things that can cause a 62 not to charge but, since you read a bunch of posts that convinced you that it is bad, than just replace it.

It might just fix your issue.

BTW: Your toyota is charging you fll price on the alt. If you are TLCA use your discount and get 25% off.

 

[sourcemine]

I had a shop rebult it today with a 1yr warranty, they are a AAA authorized place, the guy is nice, I hadn't met him till I picked up the card but he was very nice..

I had them remanaf. my alternator and warranty it for a year for $195, and paid $120 to install it, should be good to go...

What else can be contributed to the electricl on these things? My starter the same guy can rebuilt...

I'm just wondering if i got shafted on the remanaf. at 195, but it was also done on a saturday so thats pretty good in my mind.

 

[hightide]

i got mine rebilt, no warranty for 40 bucks and installed my self. before you freek let me tell you that i live 30 min from mexico. woohoo!! hope mines last me long enough to save up for a new one. dont know what prices are like for a job like that. one thing i do recommend is working on your rig. its fun and educational!! it took me about 45 min to instal. not bad for first time. drive on!