Upgrading alternator to highlander?

[hari-bhari]

It seems like my current alternator is not able to handle the load of my system. I've got a carpc that draws about 100W and an amp that puts out 700W RMS, but that I rarely drive very hard. Regardless, it seems to keep killing my battery. My theory is that the system is putting too large of a drain on the battery, and that the stock 80A alternator can't supply enough charge to keep everything going AND recharge the battery, which is what eventually kills it after a year or so.

So, I was thinking of upgrading to a 130A alternator from an 01-03 Highlander. From what I read, it's a direct bolt-in. My question is where do I get one? A quick search on eBay yielded used ones with 90 day warranties for around $110 dollars and partstrain.com seems to have many remanufactured ones from other companies that are direct bolt ins. What is the safest route to choose? I don't want to have to replace again a few years later. I also don't think I need a 200-250A alternator given my situtation, 80A to 130A is like a 60% increase so I am thinking it should be fine. Any thoughts or opinions? Also how much can I expect to pay for a new alternator install?

Is there anything else that I can replace that would also solve the problem? I considered the red top battery but those are like 150 bucks, and it still seems like it would eventually get drained anyways if the alternator can't keep it charged.

Also, how can I check if there are any power leaks in the system causing me to lose charge instead of it being returned back to the battery? I have a multimeter, but I'm not sure how to get an amperage reading. Don't you have to put a coil around the wire to check induction or something?

Haha ok thanks, lots of questions, hopefully I'll get some answers. Happy thanksgiving everyone

[sydemoid]

you should upgrade to the highlander alternator, but I also heard that a sienna xle awd's alt puts out 150 amps, in either case, you should run some caps to suppress the jolt your system puts on the battery.

Im looking into running a similar setup to yours, already got the cpu, its an old Dell laptop with a dual core centrino, and 3 GB of ram 160 HDD. I need the lilliput LCD, and the audo system to be done with it (planning to go alpine with all that, and infinity kappa mids n highs).

But if you dont have a cap try that, if you do, get some more in series, or get a lightweight battery (about $80 http://www.bigcrank.com/motorcyclebatte ... BIG-ETX30L) < Im using that as my main battery now for 10 months, and here in NYC the temp drops have been nasty... no jump needed.... yet, lol. I also have a yellow top laying around, that I plan on using as the backup for the system.

All in all, I say look into the Sienna alternator if you need the higher amps, but also consider the caps

Im more of a computer geek, but in my experience.... you should do fine with either alternator.

[SleeperSolara]

Have you tried farad capacitors??

[TLMNICK]

Capacitors are only band-aids to the power issues you're having. The better way to go about solving your current draw issue, is to upgrade your alternator, and battery. Also make sure that all your grounds are clean and secure....both the ones on the battery, and everything else that you might have hooked up.

[hari-bhari]

thanks guys. so now what about the actual alternator installation? is it difficult and if i give it to a shop, how much can i expect to pay? also, is a rebuilt or used alternator a bad idea?

[ASG14]

^ My OEM 80A went on my '96 V6 this summer. Picked up a Highlander 130A at the junkyard, and just swapped them. Thats all. Plug was the same and all.

[hari-bhari]

i know but what about the belts and proper tension, etc? do i just unbolt the old one and bolt this one in?

[Jakecallun20]

A 1MZ is a 1MZ. The alternator will bolt on, the belt is the same. The alternator just supplies more power to power the items on the highlander, it has more power hungry ECUs to power and what not. Like he said above, the plug was the same, and was just a direct bolt on. Sounds like its just like a swap.

[AllShowNoGo]

Yellow top optima and the new alternator will do you justice. Note the sienna alternator will fit but ive heard the connector plug has to be changed. If you got the money, try stinger batteries double the numbers of optima.

[hari-bhari]

I am thinking of buying this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alternat ... t_4042wt_0

$93.50 - $28.05 live.com cashback = $65
Is it safe to buy a used alternator like that?

[Midias]

You can get them from autozone for about 140 new less the core

Part Number: 12299
Weight: 13.01 lbs.
Warranty: LLT
Note: 130 Amp optional
Premium reman
Pricing:
Unit Price:
$139.99
*Core Value:
$62.00
Total Price:
$201.99

[hari-bhari]

could someone please explain what exactly the core is? what are the other parts needed such as belts and bolts. is there a tutorial online for installation, i saw an old thread where someone had upgraded but the pics are gone. i really know nothing about this.

[TLMNICK]

The core is just your old alternator. Usually whoever you buy the alternator from will somewhat discount the price, and in return, you give them your old alternator so that they can rebuild it, and resell it.

[hari-bhari]

so i got a reply from the seller, its from a highlander with only 59k miles. im thinking for around 80 shipped, its not a bad deal and it comes with a 90 day warranty. now if i could just figure out the installation?!

[ASG14]

^ DUDE! YOU FREAKIN UNBOLT THE ONE NOW AND BOLT THE HIGHLANDER ONE OF! It;s beens said SEVERAL times!

You have 2 choices. Go buy a repair manual or pay a machanic 1 hour labor to install it.

CHOOSE ONE!