Ok so yesterday I installed an aftermarket oil pressure, and volt meter (VDO brand). Both electrical gauges. 85 4runner 22re was runnin just fine, just wanted to keep a better eye on everything.

Anywho drove it into the city today to grab some new U-bolts and bushings for my rear spring swap get in there (45 miles) Volt meter was reading 15 the whole way in. And my battery light flips on, no biggie right, I glance at the volt meter and its at 12-12.5, hop out check my belt and battery connections everything appears fine. Get back in drive to autozone they say the alternator is junk. Well I'm 45 min fromm all my tools and house so I try my luck and cross my fingers and toes to make it home.

Get home get a new alternator put it in. Drive it around, volts are reading 14 at idle then if I rev it even the slightest they hit 15. Drove it at night all the lights on.

Guess I got three questions:
1-Is there a voltage regulator not in the alternator?
2-Is reading 14v at idle, 15 when revved an normal?
3-Could this all be stemming from my gauges?

Thanks for the help!

 

There is an excellent article on Toyota alternators here: http://autoshop101.com/

Click on the link "electrical (new 623 course)" and open Elec 05 Charging Systems.

According to this Toyota training article on page 13, the voltage can vary from 13.9 to 15.1 and be in the normal range. This website has tons of great information on Toyota systems. If you tapped into a power wire under the dash then it's very unlikely that installing the volt meter caused your alternator problems. I also recommend you get an alternator from Toyota rather than an aftermarket store. After having to replace aftermarket starters and alternators about once a year for a few years (lifetime warranty) I got tired of the unreliability and picked up a Toyota re-manufactured unit and haven't had any problems since.

 

Should be internally regulated on the '85 model. 13.5 - 14.5 volts is typical:
- http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/charging.htm

 

Ok thanks guys. If I have to replace this one again within a year I will grab a toy one.