Water crossing vs. alternator

I personally would look at a genuine toyota alternator, I've got a 97 80 series and have done some what I would consider decent water crossings (Nolans Brook about 16 times for example), and not had a problem, was checked out by auto leccy and come up to spec. Bundy to Toowoomba is easily doable if you left early morning, I live in Gladstone and we do Brisvegas in 6 hrs, would like to know what alternator they put in your bus, was it a reco or new unit.

Hardly anyone reconditions alternators today, the Chinese alternator suppliers have destroyed the repair business with cheap alternators. eBay is full of them.

These alternators are usually O.K., but they often use a non-genuine plug that needs an adaptor to fit the Toyota plug into it.

You can buy a genuine (usually Denso brand) alternator, but you'll pay a lot more for it.

If the alternator supplied to you was noisy, then it had a fault from the word go, and you should have taken it back.
I doubt whether water alone would have destroyed it. Alternators can resist a fair bit of water.

A reconditoned alternator, repaired "on the cheap" may have had a used bearing reinstalled.
There's a large bearing at the front and a much smaller one at the rear.
Usually the rear bearing fails first, because the front bearing is "overbuilt".
An el-cheapo repairer could have re-used the front bearing, they are expensive.

An alternator should put out around 13.8V-14.3V when in good working order.
If an alternator is only putting out 9 volts, it most likely has a failed voltage regulator.
If it is putting out a voltage of around 11-12 volts and the alternator light is glowing with a dull glow, then it's likely there's a diode failed in the alternator.

You should also check the voltage drop between alternator and battery to check for faulty or dirty connections.
Grab a multimeter and select a voltage check range of around 20V maximum, and with your engine idling, place one of the multimeter test leads on the BAT (B+) terminal on the alternator and the other test lead on the positive terminal (+) of the battery.

There should be a voltage drop of less than 0.02V between these two terminals.
Any more than 0.02V reading shows that there is high resistance in the alternator to battery circuit somewhere, caused by a damaged connection, or a corroded or loose connection.
Always check on the condition of the earth strap that connects the engine to the body and chassis, and make sure it has good, clean, tight connections.

Cheers, Ron.

Probably nothing dramitacally wrong with your alternator. The 80 series has a common problem of getting dirty/loose connections where the plug goes in. This then gives all the Simpsons you describe like all the warning lights coming on. I used to pull my plug out every service and then apply contact cleaner and a bit of electrical grease to keep everything clean and dry.

I usually go through at least 150-200 river crossings yearly, that's including coming backover the same ones here and there, some deep and some shallow. I sprayed Lanolin throughout my alternator about 5 years ago now and no issues, reminds me to do it again..
I agree about the Chinese imports. Try and have an original rebuilt if possible. You can buy originals from ebay a lot less than the Manufacturers sell them if you look around.

Goodluck

Cheers

Josh,

Haven't used this mob as yet, but might be worth a look if you want a new unit.

Their phone number is 03 57216002, they are at Wangaratta.

Bob

Pretty poor attempt to copy and paste their EBay site below. :-)

HIGH OUTPUT 140A ALTERNATOR TO FIT TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 4.2L DIESEL 1HZ 1HD-T 1HD
5 YEAR WARRANTY, HEAVY DUTY UPGRADE, HIGH OUTPUT
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If you're looking for and prepared to pay for genuine but not at dealer prices, as well as non-genuine, have a look here. They are happy to take phone calls and discuss your needs. Located in Adelaide, free postage.

I'm a satisfied customer.

Cheers

Thanks lad's.

I came to the conclusion that It would be good to get a genuine alternator (even if the problem doesn't lie in the alternator).

I had a look on ebay and picked up a denso unit for pretty cheap.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Toyota-Landcruiser-4-2L-Diesel-Alternator-12V-100-amp-/171554589853?

I hope it's not a chinese knock-off. Only time will tell.

Cheers
Josh