L400 alternator replacement

[Van Diesel]

I'm on a bit of a road trip that has taken me from the island to Calgary. After accidentally draining my battery and then driving around with the AC on full I think I've killed my alternator.

I spent some time searching the forum for answers but I still want to ask if anyone has found a replacement alternator for the L400.

Maxoverdrive told me that they don't have any in sock but I'm not sure if that means they are currently out or never have them. I don't see it on their website.

Napa Auto Parts came up with a Dodge Stealth alternator that is 90amps and looks really similar (in a photo, they had none in). If they did have it, it was $300.

I'd really like to get an alternator with a higher amp rating. Apparently, others on this forum do too. Has anyone upgraded their alternator?

As far as rebuilding goes, can anyone tell me where they've found parts for the stock alternator?

Thanks.

[Mr. Flibble]

I can't help you with alternator replacements, but I can suggest you check out replacing your brushes. My alternator went in my 1989 4Runner, and I bought a set of new carbon brushes for it for $10, and that fixed it right up, good as new. Not terribly hard to install the brushes in the alternator either, and judging by where the alternator sits in the L400 it looks to be an easier job than it was in my 4Runner.

(I am sorry I can't tell you which brushes to get however!)

[MardyDelica]

Hi, dbox.
i do have rebuild alternator for L400 original
pls call me if i need one
cheer;s
mardy

[Van Diesel]

After some probing, I figured my alternator is fine, other than the fact that it's still in pieces.

My assumption is that my voltage regulator is the problem.

I took a look at the Charging System diagram available in the downloads section but that doesn't help me find it in the van (I've also figured that the voltage regulator is not physically part of the alternator).

Can someone tell me where the voltage regulator is and what it looks like? Any idea if this is easily replaced with a locally available part?

Thanks.

[Pacific JDM Parts]

The voltage regulator is internal in the alternator.
You will have to remove the alternator and get it tested at a repair shop to find out whats wrong.
The parts are available to repair the alternator but for speed i would just get a replacement one and swap it out.

[Van Diesel]

Thanks for clearing up my assumptions.

I took my alternator in to Auto Value and had them put it on their alternator tester. It took them a few tries to match the plug bu they got one that worked. It's only putting out 36 of the 90 amps.

Time for a replacement.