Hi we recently purchased a toyota lite-ace 1.8 petrol around a month ago, we had overheating problems from the word go. the previous owner had bodged the viscous fan to spin all the time, so we undertook advice from the archives at the BoK and installed electric fans, sorted...........or so we thought!

Whilst on the way to chester (from norfolk), we were watching the temperature gauge with an almost obsessive frequency, however 25miles from our destination, the dash lit up like a xmas tree, and the headlamps refused to shine, we pulled over and turned off the engine, only to find that it wouldn't start again.........to cut a long story short, the R.A.C man said our alternator was in need of replacement. However after trawling through the archives, we found the problem might be the regulator, if you have any advice to offer us please let us know.

- (#8528) Val Andrews, 14 Feb 04 12:19

Hiya , its usually just the brushes , they wear at about 80k , easy fix , hard to get at , cost is less than a fiver in parts
jim

- (#8528) j adgo, 14 Feb 04 14:50

Val,
You may have an alternator with inboard regulator, easy to see once you get the alternator off, looks like a bolt on pack other end to the pully. Now not sure where the alternator is on the 1.8 petrol, on the 3y it is under the carb/manifolds, so easier to get at than the 2C engine. Hope it is on the passenger side for you as nothing else needs to be removed to get at it!
Once off local auto leccy shop will test it for you.

- (#8528) Clive (Bristol), 15 Feb 04 01:32

Thanks guys, you were right internal regulator, i suggested we check brushes first....bingo brushes spent, 1hr all fixed and running, i wish i knew this a week ago i could have made running repairs in chester!!!! where we were supposed to spend the weekend.......always the way eh!

- (#8528) Val Andrews, 15 Feb 04 14:24