Alternator issue

[kam80]

So picked up a lovely 100 series Amazon yesterday (2004 model) with just 100k miles. It drove superb and I was surprised on how good it performed...

20 miles left to home and the alternator volt dropped from 14v all the way to 9v...

Alternator appears to be covered in black soot (?) on the top of it and apparently it was replaced 6 months ago or 5 miles ago as it had been standing... Certainly does not appear like it has.

Can these alternators be refurbished or is it a case of a new one and if so where could I source a good quality one?

Waiting on seller as he has promised to get it sorted for me

Regards...

 

[uHu]

The only good alternator is the original one, a Denso, and they can be repaired. There are replacements for sale that will last a year or two, maybe that's what was done 6 mnts ago?

 

[Lorin]

Napa alternator can be had from eBay with 3-5 year warranty depending on the seller. They tend to be well reviewed and are half the price of a genuine new.

 

[kam80]

The only good alternator is the original one, a Denso, and they can be repaired. There are replacements for sale that will last a year or two, maybe that's what was done 6 mnts ago?

I’m just scratching my head a little as this alternator doesn’t look 6 months / 3 miles old…. Thoughts anyone ? It appears to look like the original one…

 

[Ben Stratford]

Looks like the black dust may be from slipping or incorrect belts. Has there been any squealing or other noises? These belts must be replaced as a matched pair. Otherwise tension will vary between the two which can cause belt wear and alternator bearing wear at the same time if one is too tight and the other too loose.

 

[felix2566]

Is it me or the belt nearest the alternator is much thinner/more worn than the other one? Plus looking at the lower part of the belt are some of the teeth missing, something is not right with them. Worth replacing the belts and seeing if it sorts the issue?

 

[kam80]

Is it me or the belt nearest the alternator is much thinner/more worn than the other one? Plus looking at the lower part of the belt are some of the teeth missing, something is not right with them. Worth replacing the belts and seeing if it sorts the issue?

Replacing the belts first might be a good shout and save me a few pennies if it sorts the issue… I’ll try that thanks!!

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

m just scratching my head a little as this alternator doesn’t look 6 months / 3 miles old…. Thoughts anyone ? It appears to look like the original one…

Those belts are way past serviceable, the black stuff is degraded belt materiel. When you remove the belts check the alternator for free rotation.
If it's free then replace the belts tensioning them to half inch play on the longest run. Check after a few miles and re tension if necessary. I would imagine there will be no issue with the alternator.

 

[uHu]

For newbies: When adjusting the tension of the belts for the alternator on a 1HD-FTE, the locking bolt (pointing forward) has to be loosened before turning the adjuster bolt (the one seen in the pic above). Getting to the locking bolt requires tools of the right length, and because of the (often) high torque, also good quality tools.

Another issue is that you can prolong the life of both belts, alternator and battery by disconnecting the intake heater grid.

 

[frank rabbets]

I bought 2 belts for my 80. Not matched. One was lose on the front so I changed them round and had the same result. Conclusion is that the pulleys wear at different rates. Belts are so accurately made these days I don't think matching them is necessary. They stretch anyway. Mine soon bedded in after a 10 mile run and retightening. When new they stretch very quickly before bedded in.

 

[Juddian]

The alternator on my 120 suddenly pegged out about 3 years ago, took it to the local sparky hopefully for a rebuild, he immediately noticed a crack in the casing which wasn't the issue but wasn't going to mend itself, he had a Lucas recon unti there within the hour for IIRC £126, its still going strong.
Looks to be in a similar spot to the 120, i found it easiest to remove the OSF wheel and work from the side through the inner wing gaps covered by plastic clip on guards.

 

[Buller]

Looks like the belts are sat down in the "V" way too much. As suggested, I'd get those changed for decent ones. If the alternator is gone then a genuine one would be best. I've had non genuine ones and they only last a few years

 

[Dave]

If you order from toyota, I think they come as a pair with one part number, so don’t order 2 otherwise you’ll have 4 belts.

 

[frank rabbets]

It's recommended to change both belts at the same time so there are 2 in the bag. Doubt whether they are "matched" though.

 

[kam80]

It's recommended to change both belts at the same time so there are 2 in the bag. Doubt whether they are "matched" though.

Thanks. Trying this first and hopefully this sorts the issue…