anyone know how often they have to be replaced? If so what to put in and how do you do it.

My 4runner has been slow on the turn over. Im wondering if I need a new alternator. I run high power sounds, so I think my alternator is headed for that car part lot in the sky. Anyone know where to pick a bigger alterator up that fits the 4runner. I have been having a hard time finding this. Thanks for the help with the spark plugs and the injectors.

 

I seem to remember seeing a upgraded alternator at performancerproducts.com. They have more stuff in their catalog than online, so you might hvae to give them a call..

 

I dont think the alternator would be directly responsible for a slow start. That would be more starter solenoid related I believe. Maybe even the battery.

As far as the coil packs go, there is no replacement interval. You replace them when they crap out. Unless there is a short or exposed wire, they technically should be on/off operators. The resistance should not increase over time if the wires and pack(s) are in good condition.

 

I would bet your problem lies with the battery and not the alternator. The alternator is barely running at startup and provides essentially no power then. If you thing it is a charging problem, check it with a simple volt meter....anything over 14V at idle is fine. When you test the system, do it with the stereo off then with it on to see how much load the stereo is putting on the system. You may need a high output alternator after all. It could also be some other things but my money would be on the battery.

 

thank for the sugestion. Im running a blue top battery from optimal, so I hope its not the battery. Normaly my voltage stays around 14.1 volts. But when Im at a stop at night, the voltage drop as low was 12.9 volts. I have a digital volt guage, so watching this flux in voltage is irking to me.

 

Well think of it this way, if your alt is not doing its job as you have mentioned, you are taxing the battery, which will definetly affect your start speed as it wears out. I think Jamie is on to something here.

 

where can I go for a new or upraded one. Here in Hawaii one place quoted me somewhere aroung $800 for a 160 amp. I dont need that big, from what I hear stock is 70. So Im looking just to go around 100amps

 

Check out www.mralternator.com

 

If you are running a new Optima, then I doubt it is the battery.
If the voltage drops to 12.9 then your charging system is stressed to its limit.

CTB hit it right on the head, mr alternator is great.
http://www.mralternator.com/alternators/toyota.html

Should be no more than like $250 for a 150 amp which should handle all the power needs you may have.
After it is in, check again at idle and I bet it will be back up at 14+ volts.

 

has anyone ordered from them? Is it a reputable company? Mahalo from hawaii with the replies..

 

I know a few guys have already.
Use the search and you should find a bunch of mr alternator threads.