Hey everybody got a question for ya. I honestly tried to search this and got nothing...never quite figured the search option on this site. So lately I've been noticing some sluggish starts from the ol girl. I don't dare leave any accesories on with the engine off cause she most definetly won't start. A good long drive fixes it most times and I'm pretty sure the battery is holding on, for now. The alternator has been in there for quite a long time and is due for some TLC. So here's my question. I've been looking to buy a rebuild kit to try and save some money and have been unsuccessful. It seems that I'm gonna have to piece the rebuild kit together to make it work, but I have no idea were to start. Please help me out. I get the feeling the clock is a ticking and I'd like to fix this issue before the battery gives up the ghost and I'm forced to spend a good chunk of change to replace it. Truck is a '94 4X4, 22RE, Red Top Optima and stock alternator.

Most of the time the only problem with a Toyota alternator is the brushes wear out. See here for replacement

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota-maintenance/replacing-alternator-brushes


BUT, before you do anything, you need to go to AutoZone and have your charging voltage and amperage checked and your battery load tested before you assume its the alternator.

Did just that because I wanted to know what the problem was. They say the alt is putting out only 30 amps and that the battery is accepting a charge. He did notice that my idle was a bit low and the terminals were a mucked up. So I bumped the idle a bit and cleaned the terminals up all nice and shiny!! I'm glad to hear that it's as simple as replacing the brushes. I'm sure they need replacing, I'm just hoping the battery holds out with a lagging alt.

Okay so I'm gotta question in regards to a poorly performing alt and emmissions testing. As you all know it appears my alternator is on it's way out. My question is would a poorly performing alt cause a "fail" during an emmissions test. More specifically a HC IDLE of 268. Just a shade high, everything else is looking good. Just for a little backround.....she failed the first test due to a high CO% Idle of 1.4(Has to be under 1.2). I fixed a leak in the air intake tube after the MAF and on the second attempt the CO% at idle was down to 0.65, but then the HC at idle climbed to the above value. I'm gonna adjust the idle up a bit and run some fuel injector cleaner, but I'm wondering about that alternator. Am I off base in thinking that the poorly performing alternator isn't giving enough to the coil at idle causing poor combustion and leaving just enough fuel to put me out of range? Any thoughts?? Thanks

Very doubtfull, seems far fetched to me.

I kinda figured, but it was a shot in the dark. Any idea what could be the problem? Any tips? I'm working through what I know, but you all have a ton more experience then I do. Please any help will be appreciated.

Start with the basics. Check timing. Tuneup. Run some concentrated fuel injector cleaner, run some seafoam through it, and adjust the idle speed to 750rpm.

Do this and try again.

The alternator won't affect your emissions; I agree with Adam.

Your EGR might be carboned up a bit too. Got a little flutter with rpms around 2-2400rpm?

Also with high HC, if you haven't changed your oil/filter in awhile, this is a good time to get that knocked out before you go back in for another test.

Follow up on Adam's suggestions too.

Kinda figured the basics were in order and I have done some of them. Plugs, oil change, air filter and I did bump the idle up a bit even before the first attempt. I didn't check the timing yet after adjusting the idle and I have to admit it's been awhile since that has been done. I'm not sure why but adjusting the timing got me a bit worried for some dumb reason. I'm definitely gonna do it before the next try. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to let all the fuel additive run through the system, running out of days to get this done. Murphey's Law I guess, figured she pass without issue so I put if off and now I'm crunched for time!! Anywho thanks for the thoughts, it's good to know your on the right track and even better to be told to forget it and try something else!!

So I really wanted to do the complete sea foam treatment, but I just changed the oil and already added a different fuel additive so instead I just went with the sea foam deep creep spray. Shot a whole bunch of it in the intake and drove her like a mad man right before I ran over to get yet another emission test done. Good news is she passed....barely. HC idle was 199, down from 268!! Not bad for having only used the intake cleaner and a quarter tank of treated fuel. The tech said that he didn't think she was going to pass, but she held on just under the magic number!! Having only got through about a quarter of a tank of the treated fuel, I really put a lot of faith in the sea foam intake cleaner. Now the next step is doing the entire sea foam treatment, but I'll let this new oil get all nasty first!! Oh by the way when you all have done the sea foam treatment for the top end of your engine which vacuum line have you used. I was thinking that the PCV valve line would work, what do you think? Thanks guys for the tips and again confirming that this site has the best group if you have any questions about these great trucks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />