22R alternator replacement gone awry

[bec5175]

Ok. The short version is... my charge light was on I know what that means. Ordered a new alternator and am having same trouble with the new one.

The long version is I took the old alternator to the auto elec, he told me it was rooted. I ordered one online and when it arrived the box said "18R" so I rang the supplier and they assured me it would fit. I pulled the old one back out of the car, saw the bracket was different the new one was 180degree and the old one is 160degree. I thought I'd give it a bash anyway rang them back and they told me there was 3 listed for my particular vehicle. So after some discussion with a few mates and the bloke on the phone we adjusted the bracket, got a smaller belt and put it all back together. Started it up and the charge light is still on. For the first couple of times I ran it, it made that whirring sound but the light was still on. Now it doesnt make that sound anymore and the light is still on.

I will take it to the auto elec. early next week.

So here's the question. What possible reasons could there be for the charge light still being on (other than the obvious 2... the new one is stuffed or there is a wire broken)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks!

[sbfoot]

check your fuses,there is a fuse in the charging circuit that if blown will cause charge light to come on.should be located in fuse box.

[bec5175]

What a bloody obvious answer, however I never thought of it myself.
Just checked it and its still good. Pulled fuse out and put it back in and charge light is still on. Its only a 7.5 amp fuse. Should I try putting another in? I dont have a spare 7.5, only a 10.

[sbfoot]

check actual charge rate at battery with a multi meter should be 13.7 to 14.2v at 1500rpm.changing to a bigger fuse just to test it won't hurt.check voltage from b+ terminal (the main wire held on with a nut) should get about 12v.Have had issues myself with dirty,loose/poor connections there and charging problems.
All the best.

[2jzhilux]

They have an external voltage regulator which looks like a balck box attached to the guard about the size of 2 packs of cigarettes together.
They always stuff up before the alternator, chances are it will be this.

[bec5175]

Thank you 2jzhilux, sounds like it might be that! Well here's hoping anyway, if that is the issue then I still may have to price a replacement and I'm not too keen on pricing Toyota parts at the moment.

Here's what happened yesterday... I went for a drive to town (130km round trip). When I got home I noticed that my battery was cooking. Steam pouring out of one side of the battery and the most awful rotten egg smell. Put it on the charge after it had cooled down and it was fully charged within a couple of hours.

Then what has happened today is... I got the multimeter onto it, the battery charge at standstill is 14.75V (quite high), but here's the real pisser, its charging at 17.5V. So yesterday I have cooked my battery. On the plus side at least I know the new alternator is actually working!

So if it is this voltage regulator thing that'd be good. Anyway for the layman to tell how this is the problem? Oh I didnt make it to the sparky during the week, so it'll be this week coming. Is it easy for them to diagnose this? And how much do ya think I'd be up for to replace this part? Is it the same on other models (so can I get it from a wrecker)?

[2jzhilux]

I may have a good one laying around somewhere but a new one will probably be around 60-80 dollars.
I wouldnt bother sending to the auto electrician it will probably cost you more in labour to diagnose than to just replace the regulator.
Regulator just has 2 plugs and is held on by two 6mm bolts, can be changed in 5 mins.

[bec5175]

Yep! I think you have it there. Had the old man here today, we pulled it off and removed the casing. One of the copper coils had burnt out and its now charging at 18.3V So tomorrow morning I'll start trying to source a replacement.

Thanks for all your help guys, this forum is always a great resource.

[dansblackcat]

If there is a Repco or an Ashdown Ingram near you they sell them.
If it has a round plug the part number will be RGX2033.

[bec5175]

Yep, got one. Thanks guys! Put it in yesterday morning and it works. Priced one from Toyota and they quoted 160 odd dollars. Got one from the local auto elec who just happened to have one sitting around for a great deal less $40-$60. (Not sure exactly how much, the future in-laws have decided its my chrissy present )