Noticed that my in-dash voltmeter was reading lower than usual. Usually its high at around 14 volts but now as I drive it shows below 12…
Check the voltage with multimeter and its low at 12.4-12.6 even when engine is running.
Put the truck on the smart charger and sure enough the batteries are depleted, the charger runs for a few days before getting them fully topped up (12.8 volts.)
Order an accurate voltmeter gauge from amazon, accurate to hundredths of volts? And through the week I can watch the voltage from 12.8 to 12.3. Ok, something is wrong!
I take the truck in to local mechanic. They diagnose the alternator is dead. Problem is the 1984 BJ60 alternator is NLA, can’t get one. EBI will sell me a used one for $450. Sheesh. The alternator is unusual in that it holds and drives the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is Super NLA, the core for a pump is $2000. Yikes.
Mechanic sends it on to another reputable alternator shop in seattle. I’m anxious because no biking while the truck is in the shop.
I call after 4 days and alternator hasn’t been opened. The shop can’t find any info on it. I get upset and go get it from him, take it to Romaine Electric in Kent. The guy on the phone knew all about that particular alternator.
On leaving Romaine I strike up a conversation with an engineer in the parking lot. They do all sorts of alternators, fishing boats, (and most impressively) airplanes. The weirdest he says are armored cars where they absolutely can’t change anything but parts were last made in the 1960s. All sorts of security issues because armored cars need to work and change means new insurance certification.
They open my alternator and see that the seal between the vacuum pump and alternator failed so flooded the alternator with motor oil. Alternator is cleaned, new seal kit installed, new rectifier, new voltage regulator, new bearings. Oh and repainted it. Looking fresh!
Becky at Romaine presenting the newly rebuilt alternator.
BJ60 alternator, the pipes on the left feed oil to the vacuum pump.
BJ60 alternator, the pipes on the right feed oil to the vacuum pump.
Total cost was $280.
Hand deliver back to first mechanic who installs quickly. All is well. Driving home the dash volt meter was again showing 14, the accurate new digital voltmeter in the cigarette shows 13.82-14.19 volts (ha-ha, as if it is actually accurate to hundredths of volts!)
CanadianBJ 