LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

cooked alternator?

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Old 08-13-15, 04:33 AM
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Greg5OH
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Default cooked alternator?

Well, i have this nasty whirring noise coming from the PS location. when i use the stethoscope it seems to originate from the alternator, like a bad bearing noise. I also swapped PS pumps with a spare I have just to be sure, but noise is still there, and when u scope the pump it is silent,.

Anyway I also noticed this morning my air solenoids werent acting properly and the cd deck kept cutting in and out when messing with the airride..seems like a voltage issue.
Yep, car running im seeing 11.5 volts, revving it up to 4000 rpm the voltage slowly rises up to a max of 12. This seems to confirm the bad alternator.

Anything else it can be? Clearly not a fusible link as the voltage does in fact rise, although very little.
I wonder if the brushes are toast on it? With twin compressors and a large stereo i know I am loading it way more than a stock unit would see.
Old 08-13-15, 05:00 AM
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PureDrifter
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It's hard to tell if it's just brushes or brushes + bearings based on what you said, but it does sound like a failing alt.
Old 08-13-15, 09:46 AM
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timmy0tool
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it could be more than just the brushes. best to just replace the alternator completely with a rebuilt unit or a higher output one for your extra components.

are you running a capacitor for the stereo? what kind of compressors are you running? viair comps are known to draw lots of current depending on model.
Old 08-13-15, 02:00 PM
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Greg5OH
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Tein viair 400s and no cap! I have one sitting still nevet put it in. With no cap and the subs hitting i assume itnis putting a "shock" loading onto the alternator. Picking up a used one yomortow for 60$, dont trust the part store lifetime warranty ones for $200, and no time to order a higher output unit from my guy, need the car ready for woodward dream cruise this sat!
Old 08-14-15, 12:50 PM
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Greg5OH
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took it to oreileys, put it on the mahcien and it started screeching. Yup bearing is toast and failed all tests. Picked up a used one for 40 bucks...hope it gets the job done till i can get a built one.
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