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Off-Roading Discussions specifically related to modifying and driving your Toyota truck/SUV off the pavement, including trip reports.

This is a discussion thread titled "Alternator Failure Question", within the Off-Roading forum, part of the General Forums category.


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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-09-2008, 08:25 AM
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Default Alternator Failure Question

So how many of you have actually had alternator failures due to mud/water exposure?
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Old 06-09-2008, 09:49 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Wow you have some kick azz pics in your gallery!
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Old 06-10-2008, 07:13 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

So.......is this "low hanging" alternator theory just an urban legend......
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Old 06-10-2008, 08:16 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

I was waiting for Dyogim to chime in, maybe he hasn't seen this thread yet. I'm 99% certain he 'lost' an alternator some time ago to water/mud.
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Old 06-10-2008, 08:25 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Herbicidal View Post
I was waiting for Dyogim to chime in, maybe he hasn't seen this thread yet. I'm 99% certain he 'lost' an alternator some time ago to water/mud.
That's what I thought also.....
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Old 06-10-2008, 10:46 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Frequently in mud and water. Never had a problem here.
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Old 06-10-2008, 10:55 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

The reason I ask is because I really don't want to shell out $200+ and deal with the extra weight and space usage hauling around a spare if it's not a reoccuring problem.

I have to draw the "what if" line at some point or bring along my new Tundra as a complete donor rig.........now that I think about it.....that compact 6-speed transmission would look really nice in my "good" Tundra !
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Old 06-10-2008, 10:55 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

I've gone through two alternators due to mud/muddy water. All covered under waranty. Since, my truck is out of warranty, I stay away from the mud/muddy water. I'm also running the 90 amp version. There's the 70amp and 110amp (I think it's 110). If the one I have goes out again, I'll be looking at an aftermarket one. I think I just jinxed myself.

Last edited by dyogim; 06-10-2008 at 10:58 AM.
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Old 06-10-2008, 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by dyogim View Post
I've gone through two alternators due to mud/muddy water. All covered under waranty. Since, my truck is out of warranty, I stay away from the mud/muddy water.
Details man !....did they fail instantaneously while in water or on the trail, or did they fail sometime later after being dunked?
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Old 06-10-2008, 11:09 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

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Originally Posted by jjc View Post
Details man !....did they fail instantaneously while in water or on the trail, or did they fail sometime later after being dunked?
Both failed after the mud runs. One of the times after a weekend of playing in the mud at Prairie City with Herb and other members on the board, I went to work at around 5:30am on monday. On the way to work at a stop light, my truck started to die and all the lights (head lights, dash lights) started to dim and fade. Then the engine shut off.. I was probably about 1 mile from work and this happened about 3-4 times. I had to keep restarting and each time it took a few cranks. Luckily the dealership was about 1 block further than my work. Dropped it off there and they fixed it. Along with changing the battery and a bunch of wire harneses.


The other time was after a trip to Frank Raines (pic below) but the engine shut off at home. Had it tested and immediately new it was the alternator. Took it to the dealer the next day and had it replaced. Weird thing was the truck only died once or twice at home not on the road.


Last edited by dyogim; 06-10-2008 at 11:20 AM.
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Old 06-10-2008, 12:10 PM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Great...thanks to Mike it looks like I'm going to buy a spare alternator to lug around....!

I'm wondering if I should waste $100 on one spare coil pack also, but I can't find many failures on them and the truck should definitely run with one bad pack because my buddy's '01 Sequoia would run (missed pretty bad) when he lost one.

Is there anybody who works at a dealership that knows of a part that's often sold for the older Tundras that seems to be a trend? FYI - mine engine is 100% stock 2001 4.7L with 68,000 miles on it.
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Last edited by jjc; 06-10-2008 at 12:11 PM.
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Old 06-10-2008, 12:25 PM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

I stand corrected on my previous response on the 110amp alternator, It's actually 130amp.

Jonathan, I think you should also carry a spare tranny as well. You are coming up to the infamous 70k mile mark. At this mile marker, the tranies start to go. Mine went at 76K. LOL!!! Just keep the overdrive off the whole trip. Otherwise, your tranny might metal. Sorry, don't mean to get you too worried.

Last edited by dyogim; 06-10-2008 at 12:29 PM.
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:51 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Would fabbing some sort of guard on the back side of the alt. do any good or would it affect heat release? Looking from under the truck towards the alt. it looks pretty exposed, I thought about putting in some sort of guard because from the rear it looks like the most vulnerable.

Could be good for the peace of mind if nothing else.

It wouldn't do much if submerged, but if your going through water and have the nice wave out front but need to slow down it could possibly help.
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Last edited by MOTOCHAIN; 06-11-2008 at 02:01 AM.
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Old 06-11-2008, 06:57 AM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by MOTOCHAIN View Post
Would fabbing some sort of guard on the back side of the alt. do any good or would it affect heat release? Looking from under the truck towards the alt. it looks pretty exposed, I thought about putting in some sort of guard because from the rear it looks like the most vulnerable.

Could be good for the peace of mind if nothing else.

It wouldn't do much if submerged, but if your going through water and have the nice wave out front but need to slow down it could possibly help.
That sounds like a good idea to me, maybe just a splash plate under the alternator but with enough clearance to avoid retaining heat?
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:27 PM
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Default Re: Alternator Failure Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjc View Post
That sounds like a good idea to me, maybe just a splash plate under the alternator but with enough clearance to avoid retaining heat?
Maybe give it some fins on the bottom side so it can act as a heat exchanger lessening the chances of it retaining heat.
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