Alternator trouble

[marduksungod]

This is my first post on this forum, that being said it would only make sense that my post is a cry for help. I have a 88 4 runner with the 22-RE. In the past I have had starter issues, now my attention is on my alternator. The circut from the battery to alternator is good (no voltage drop), the battery is not an issue, but the alternator does not charge. Obviously the alternator has gone bad, I just wanted to know if there are any known issues (bad grounds etc) that are common for 1st gen 4 runners that might be causing or adding to my problem.

 

[fourwd1]

Bad connections anywhere in the charging system are always a possibility in any truck, but their aren't any specific problems for 1st or any other gen runners or p/u's charging systems.
Some details of your problem would help too.

 

[marduksungod]

The charge battery light went on the day before the alternator stopped charging the battery. I was on the way to my friends shop when it died. My friend and I took a look at it last night, we ran a couple of circuit tests, everything pointed to the alternator going bad. I just wanted to know when I replace the alternator later today, if there are any suggestions that might make the task easier. Also if there are any related components I might have missed that I should check.

No blown fuses, cable from batt to alt is fine, battery terminals have been cleaned and checked

 

[Slowrunner]

did your brake light also turn on when your charge light came on? both lights on is an indication that your alternator is bad. Otherwise, make sure the belt is tight, and your connections are clean. If everything checks out, go to Toyota and get a toyota remanufactured unit. They are a little pricier than aftermarkets, but much more reliable. Removal is easiest out of the bottom, you may have to remove the lower radiator hose, but most of the time it'll wiggle out. Good luck

 

[fourwd1]

There's nothing else that needs to be replaced, the voltage reg is built-in.

 

[marduksungod]

Replaced the alt yesterday, charging issues are now fixed. Although I seemed to miss the brake fluid leak, I guess I'll take another trip to the shop. Are brake fluid leaks common?

 

[yotatech]

Funny you should ask. My 87 SR5 has been parked for a season because of a rotten steel line. Of course it is 22 years old with 239k miles. You also want to check rear wheel cylinders (often overlooked). No other common brake hydraulic problems.