About to install my third alternator in 4 yrs...

[Memphis_Jeff]

Any thoughts out there on why? I assume it is a short to ground somewhere as I have had battery issues as well. Could it be the battery cables "leaking" back to ground? I do have quite a bit more corrosion than I would expect on the battery posts.

If it is a short to ground, how would that kill the alternator? A bit perplexed by this...

Jeff

 

[nc-grayson]

what kind of alternators are your replacing? parts store alternators are notorious for dying.

OEM denso.

 

[Memphis_Jeff]

what kind of alternators are your replacing? parts store alternators are notorious for dying.

OEM denso.

Yeah, I can't remember which one I put on last, but my records at Autozone show that I returned one to them 2 years ago and didn't buy another one so I am thinking I went Denso last time.

Regardless, I would like to do a little troubleshooting to rule out a larger problem.

 

[wcjeep]

Staying on top of corrosion can't hurt. Do check the amp draw while the vehicle is turned off. Most alternators have a rated duty cycle. They are not designed to constantly recover a depleted battery. Large offline and/or large running amp draw could easily shorten the lifespan. Only buy quality alternators. I was not aware Autozone sold quality products.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

How old is your battery that it's gassing off at the posts?


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[aabottom]

It could be a bad voltage regulator, or something in the charging circuit, such that the alternator is continuously charging the battery, thus destroying the battery as well as the alternator.

My '99 T4R died in a crash after 19 years and 145,000 miles with the original alternator.

 

[Memphis_Jeff]

How old is your battery that it's gassing off at the posts?


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The problem persisted for years. Seems like every time I'd open the hood, I saw some build-up in need of a wire brush. It's not horrible at the moment, it's a 2 year old battery.

 

[drummeraj12]

I bought my battery at Autozone and I have the same corrosion problem you do. It isn't that old either.

 

[nissanh]

Most auto store batteries and alternators are garbage: I never used their batteries or alternators ever in my life, but stories I hear from my friends and relatives confirms my belief.
I buy batteries from Walmart and Toyota dealer. Walmart batteries are made by S. C Johnson and Co and their batteries are the best!

All my 3 toyotas' (1992, 97 and 00), still got factory OEM alternator with OEM brush kit

 

[mtbtim]

Most auto store batteries and alternators are garbage: I never used their batteries or alternators ever in my life, but stories I hear from my friends and relatives confirms my belief.
I buy batteries from Walmart and Toyota dealer. Walmart batteries are made by S. C Johnson and Co and their batteries are the best!

All my 3 toyotas' (1992, 97 and 00), still got factory OEM alternator with OEM brush kit

I second what [MENTION=85046]nissanh[/MENTION] said. I have not had good luck with auto parts store batteries. They never last anywhere close to the warrantied amount of months they come with. So far, I've had good luck with the Toyota batteries sold at the dealerships.

As for the alternator, I'd never use an aftermarket brand. It's better to try to fix your OEM Denso or buy a refurbished OEM Denso. A good percentage of the time, all you need is new brushes in your alternator to make it run like new again. Here's a video for replacing the brushes for those that are interested.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/71_kBhg6_-A" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[thennen]

X2 on the brushes. I had to replace the alternator on my 2001. It only needed brushes but nobody local had them and I was stuck. Doing it on preventive basis from now on. They're easy to replace, as Tim points out.

 

[Riceye]

Walmart batteries are made by S. C Johnson and Co and their batteries are the best!

I'm nit-picking today. SC Johnson does not make batteries. I believe you mean Johnson Controls.

SC Johnson is a business very local to me. They manufacture home products like cleaners, shampoo, insect repellant and insecticides and... Wax! Yep, Johnson Wax. This put Racine, WI on the map in the 20th century.

Today's new area company is Foxconn. My only hope is that my property value will increase.

And an editorial comment: Walmart sucks.

 

[T4R2014]

Most auto store batteries and alternators are garbage: I never used their batteries or alternators ever in my life, but stories I hear from my friends and relatives confirms my belief.
I buy batteries from Walmart and Toyota dealer. Walmart batteries are made by S. C Johnson and Co and their batteries are the best!

All my 3 toyotas' (1992, 97 and 00), still got factory OEM alternator with OEM brush kit

SC Johnson makes bandaids and shampoo. Johnson Controls makes all the lead acid batteries, which includes Walmart and Autozone. Very different and unrelated companies. Not implying they are all being made to the same standard, but they generally are the main supplier for most brands.

I saw a few Denso remans. They are usually from USA or Mexico. I feel like it’s the same shit as any auto store alternator. An OEM from Japan is mad money, but once you factor in the labor and downtime that OP wasted on failed alternators, I think it’s a bargain.

 

[Riceye]

SC Johnson makes bandaids and shampoo.

Lol! Johnson & Johnson makes Band-Aids, not SC Johnson. Yet another different company.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

When I bought my 97 SR5 project it came with a reman CarQuest alt. It stopped charging until I whacked it with a hammer.

After figuring out it was the newer 80a I went to the dealer and got a brush assembly.

The brushes were real short and it looked like the regulator was replaced and they never touched the brushes.


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[Hockeyjock]

Toyota batteries are interstate and honestly don’t last anywhere close to the warranty. There is nothing like the Panasonic’s that come with new Toyota’s.

 

[Scramble]

This thread is painful to read.