So I drive a Lexus SC300.
The o-ring on the distributor was failing and leaking oil on the alternator.
Eventually the Alternator went out an stranded me at my University Library.
Insurance paid for the car to be towed to my house.
Ordered the O-ring.
Took the alternator off, used a vise to loosen the bearing and then took the alternator apart.
Used this Electric parts cleaner called Lectra-Motive to get oil off the brushes and stator.
Also used it to clean off the wound wires on the outside and anywhere I saw oil.
Put the alternator back together.
Pulled the distributor, spotted the oil leak right by the small o-ring.
Replaced both the small and large O-ring.
Re-installed the distributor.
Re-installed the alternator.

Now, 30 minutes ago.
Start the car, car runs fine, alternator is charging the battery, DMM is reading 14.3 Volts.
Drive around the block and idle it etc for maybe 20 minutes.
Bring it back to the garage.
Notice when I park it before I turn the engine off that the battery light is on.
Check the battery with a DMM, now reading 12.4 volts.
Obviously the alternator stopped charging.
Turn the car off.

5 minutes later start the car, again its running fine, the alternator is charging again, DDM reading 14.3 volts.
Just let it sit in the garage watching the gauges to see if the battery light turns on.
After ~7 minutes the battery light turns on.
DMM the battery again, down to 12.1 volts.
Alternator not charging the battery anymore.
Turn the car off.


Anyone have any ideas what might be going on? Do you think I may have messed up somewhere or is there something that may be causing the problem? Could this be a simple fix like a loose plug on the back of the alternator, or do ya'll think I need to buy a new alternator?