CS144 Questions

K

Kyngfish

New member
Hi All,

Getting an intermittent battery light. It just kind of flickers occasionally. Multimeter test shows it's charging, but since the battery light just flickers briefly like, 1 time per drive, I'm assuming it's a problem that's just getting worse. I'm going to check my grounds, but the truck has 170K miles and I figure I'll get ahead of it and just order an alternator. Sooner or later it's gonna go.

The price difference between a Toyota and the CS144 isn't a ton, so I figure I'll go for the CS144. BUT:

When I checked RockAuto and OReillys, I'm seeing several types and brands, most are 140 AMP, but the only one that actually says CS144 is an ACDELCO Remanufactured version at RockAuto. If I just search CS144 - I'm seeing stuff on Amazon for around 280 bucks, which I'm not about to pay.

Rather get new than Reman, but is it the CS144 or bust? Is it the version W or W/O heated windshield? For new, the only suppliers I'm seeing are PowerSelect and Remy. There's an ACDELCO part number, but the reviews for that one are terrible.

Little help?
 
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Have you considered that it could just be worn brushes in your original alternator? If it is the original alt. and original brushes it is due. You could replace them for a few dollars and get another 170k miles out of it.

Once people start the aftermarket alternator swap they seem to do them again and again as they fail.
 
Kanoe said:
Have you considered that it could just be worn brushes in your original alternator? If it is the original alt. and original brushes it is due. You could replace them for a few dollars and get another 170k miles out of it.

Once people start the aftermarket alternator swap they seem to do them again and again as they fail.
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Good advice. Here’s the thing. Is there a way to test for that other than sending it off to an alternator shop? The deal with a new alternator is that I can swap it in an afternoon. And with 2 other cars, a full time job and a toddler. Time is at a premium.
 
If your not needing the extra Amps I would rebuild the original alternator, [MENTION=102449]Kanoe[/MENTION] is spot on.
To test you check voltage at battery not running, start engine check again max voltage 14.4 vdc IIRC.
 
I haven't done it but others on here have recently posted about brush replacement. I think it's pretty quick and straight forward. I bet you could pull it and fix it faster than you could get a CS144 to fit correctly. I don't think there is any need to have a shop do it unless you really don't have time to do it.

The parts are really cheap, of course your time may not be.
 
Go OEM or rebuild yours. Brushes are a 15 minute job once the alt is out. You could always have an AM on hand in case things go south and you just have to replace, in that case I would go for a new instead of rebuilt. Stay away from the Ultima brand. The 1st one on my Land Cruiser failed in 12k miles, I'm hoping the replacement last longer. I stupidly put one on my Avalon, and it doesn't show to pass on the car, but passes on the bench, so they won't warranty it for another one.


If/when I need a new alt on my 4runner, it will be an OEM. It's already got an AM replacement on it from who knows where, but I know it's not OEM. I'm just not into doing jobs twice anymore.
 
kolelt said:
Have you checked the fuses ? I forget which fuse. But [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] could tell you.
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There are three fuses involved in the charging system IGN, ALT-S and GAUGE. Worth checking, but I doubt a fuse can produce this system set. I'd focus on connection issues, especially at the alt connector and at ground points. Circuit diagram for '98 below:
 

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gamefreakgc said:
However, like others said it might just be your brushes that need to be replaced. It's not a hard job at all but you have to replace the brush assembly, not just the brushes themselves. I tried this on mine but it was already toast so didn't help.
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Looking for the parts online, I see the brushes, but not the assembly. Supposedly rebuilding should be done with high quality parts. Point me in the right direction?

Given that my battery light is only slightly flickering VERY occasionally, worn brushes sort of make sense. But do I also need to get new bearings or anything? I'm not hearing any noises, so I'm assuming it's fine.
 
Kyngfish said:
Looking for the parts online, I see the brushes, but not the assembly. Supposedly rebuilding should be done with high quality parts. Point me in the right direction?

Given that my battery light is only slightly flickering VERY occasionally, worn brushes sort of make sense. But do I also need to get new bearings or anything? I'm not hearing any noises, so I'm assuming it's fine.
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This is the part number you are looking for: 27370-35060. Should cost around $20. I use this site for looking up part numbers and it's very accurate, is yet to steer me wrong: ToyoDIY.com. I see you have a 1998 as well so I already selected that year. In my honest opinion, I think the 1998 is one of the best years for 4Runners.

Bearings rarely go bad, one thing Toyota does well is use good pulley bearings. Once in a while an A/C bearing goes back but it's pretty rare.
 
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gamefreakgc said:
I think the 1998 is one of the best years for 4Runners.
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Thanks for the pointers and the website. All the assemblies I was seeing separated out the brushes.

I've quite enjoyed my 98 - at 170K miles there are some things just wearing out. I had to rebuild the starter solenoid, and redid the suspension, brakes, ball joints, filters, plug wires, plugs, etc. But really it's just been preventive maintenance, and the truck has done everything I've asked it to.

When the hurricane hit South Florida a few years ago I evacuated with my wife, 1 year old, a 90 lb dog, and a few choice possessions. I drove it for 20 straight hours in endless traffic, up and down back roads and even some dirt roads just to get from Miami to Atlanta. Zero issues.

I've owned other Toyotas, Hondas, Mercedes, I still have a VW GTI, and a 1986 Carrera, but bar none, the 3rd gen has been the best all-around car investment I've ever made. The 911 is more fun, but if the zombie apocalypse came tomorrow, the 'Runner would be the car.
 
Come to think of it, I still have my stock alternator sitting in a box in the garage if you want to go the cheap route. I pulled it to install the cs144. Ill send it to you for the shipping if your interested.
 
calimobber said:
Come to think of it, I still have my stock alternator sitting in a box in the garage if you want to go the cheap route. I pulled it to install the cs144. Ill send it to you for the shipping if your interested.
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I'm all for cheap - I'll send you a PM. Thanks!
 
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