To Replace alternator or not

[Howmanygoes]

I ‘ve been having some minor electrical problems which is believed to be narrowed down to the voltage regulator.

Toyota want £147 + vat for just the regulator seen copies on eBay for about £30ish

Question is, as I have to take most of the front end apart do I replace the whole alternator? Is it worth “upgrading” or uprating whilst I am there? Vehicle has 147k miles on it?

Guess it’s worth doing the belt whilst I am there too

Should I stick with Toyota parts or is there a suitable alternative...

 

[Steve Wright]

I ‘ve been having some minor electrical problems which is believed to be narrowed down to the voltage regulator.

Toyota want £147 + vat for just the regulator seen copies on eBay for about £30ish

Question is, as I have to take most of the front end apart do I replace the whole alternator? Is it worth “upgrading” or uprating whilst I am there? Vehicle has 147k miles on it?

Guess it’s worth doing the belt whilst I am there too

Should I stick with Toyota parts or is there a suitable alternative...

Hi
Sounds a bit expensive for a regulator as you can get a complete alternater for about £117, I don't know what your old one is rated at but this rated at 120 Amps

 

[Howmanygoes]

Cheers Steve was that from Milner? If so that’s what I am looking at replacing it with. Plus belts about £130.

 

[Steve Wright]

Cheers Steve was that from Milner? If so that’s what I am looking at replacing it with. Plus belts about £130.

Yes Milners just check its for your model and year

 

[StarCruiser]

Also check that it’s a genuine Denso unit. It does sound very cheap for a replacement. If you want a good unit with good warranty talk to Mike at Robson and Francis. 0207 733 2353

 

[uHu]

"Take most of the front end apart"?
Easiest way is to remove the two wind pipes, undo the 4 bolts of the AC-compressor an swing it out of the way (without undoing the AC-pipes). If you want more space, you can use another minute on removing the air filter box.
Either service the old one with genuine parts, or get a new one and service the old as a spare. You'll need it in only 10-15 years.

 

[Howmanygoes]

Also check that it’s a genuine Denso unit. It does sound very cheap for a replacement. If you want a good unit with good warranty talk to Mike at Robson and Francis. 0207 733 2353

The Denso unit comes out at 80amps. Other sites have listed 2 options for the 1HD. 80a for non electric seats and 120a with electric seats. I do have the seats so would appear the Denso is not suitable.

 

[Howmanygoes]

Spoke with Toyota.
I do need the 120a unit which is slighter cheaper than the 80a (strange). They also priced the wrong voltage regulator.
Correct vr =176.23
Complete alternator including vr = 261.28
All prices inc vat.
So the Millers is >50% cheaper. Too good to be true?

 

[Chris]

I have bought a lot of kit from Milner. Some of it is really good and some not so. I do talk to them a great deal and I am honest with them. Two things I would not have again from them are starter motors and alternators. Maybe it's just bad luck following me, but both have been nothing short of rubbish. One lasted a week before it boiled my batteries.
There are companies out there who will rebuild alternators.
I recently bought a new voltage thingy as a spare for my 120 amp alternator and it was £26 delivered by the people who supplied my alternator several years ago. Top lads.

http://www.startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk/

 

[StarCruiser]

As will Robson and Francis. Refurbs are their business, big time, and they know what doesn’t give trouble and what to avoid.

 

[Howmanygoes]

I have bought a lot of kit from Milner. Some of it is really good and some not so. I do talk to them a great deal and I am honest with them. Two things I would not have again from them are starter motors and alternators. Maybe it's just bad luck following me, but both have been nothing short of rubbish. One lasted a week before it boiled my batteries.
There are companies out there who will rebuild alternators.
I recently bought a new voltage thingy as a spare for my 120 amp alternator and it was £26 delivered by the people who supplied my alternator several years ago. Top lads.

http://www.startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk/

Cheers Chris. New alternator purchased and on its way.