My car has been down for about a week now. It started with irregular starting, sometimes it starts, and sometimes it doesnt. Before, I could start it by just jumping it. Now, it doesnt turn over. All I got are clicks. And that's after I fully charge my yellow top optima battery. After reading up on the forums, I decided to fix it myself.

First of, the alternator. This is the easiest so far. Remove the 2 bolts, move the tensioner to loosen the serpentine belt, pull it out unplug and voila! Its out. I noticed that the alternator is similar to my 1990 corolla. So I opened the sc400 alternator and noticed that the contacts were caked with grime build up! Its so filthy it looks like it has chocolate frosting. I cleaned it up and the copper contacts were bad, really bad. I took the copper contacts out from my spare corolla alternator and it drops right in! So, after 15 minutes, (yes, its that easy!) I placed it back in the car and started it... and all I got was clicks again.

Now, the starter. It is the most PITA! Every connector I remove breaks! The plastic connectors were so brittle that when I pinch it, it just snaps. The fuel from the fuel lines keep dripping fuel even after I relieved pressure from the tank.Now, there is a puddle of fuel in between the cylinder heads (and still dripping). After the manifold is out, the plastic conduit that runs along the rear water bridge obstructs access from the bolts and is a PITA to remove, I ended up tearing it apart. I bought an alternator rebuild kit from ebay and still waiting for its arrival.

I hope it starts after this so I can start with my turbo build... if not, I dont know what I'm going to do with it, probably sell it.

 

open alternator and copper contacts afte cleaning them

 

Ouch, good luck on the repairs man...