Vacuum pump on an alternator

[kiwipete]

Hi all.
I am thinking about upgrading the Alternator on my 95 Terrano to something around the 110A plus area, but mine has the vacuum pump attached to it.
Are all vacuum pumps the same, or do I need to look for a specific one?
I have seen a few Toyota alternators on trademe with the vacuum pump at a reasonable price.

And for those who are going to suggest that I simply add an extra alternator, I don't have room as my AC air compressor is going in the only spare space soon.

[rayndeb]

cant they just modify your original

[kiwipete]

I think re-winding an alternator would be somewhat expensive. I want to tackle this on a budget that is tighter than a fishes ass! So if it is possible to use just any old Alt with a vaccy pump on it, then im home n hosed so to speak.

[KiwiBacon]

All vacuum pumps are pretty much the same.
What high amperage one have you found? About 4 years ago I had mine replaced, cost about $800 and 70 amp was all I got.
Mind you, 70 amp is plenty for my rig at the moment.

[kiwipete]

Im just looking at my options at the moment, the vaccy pump is the issue. I want around 110 amps as I will be doing a 2nd battery and run too many accessories for one battery, including my winch.

[Steve_t647]

Try find a Tacoma T100 alternator (the same size and configuration as us) but with 130A well that is what they are using in the US and it has the vac pump on it. If you can find out what else they went into you could get one here.

Good Luck

[rayndeb]

try looking in aus web sites they seem to have heaps of elecs in their trucks.. dual bats and even triple bats surely they have to beef up their alts for that stuff

[kiwipete]

Try find a Tacoma T100 alternator (the same size and configuration as us) but with 130A well that is what they are using in the US and it has the vac pump on it. If you can find out what else they went into you could get one here.

Good Luck

Thanks, I have also heard of a "Nissan Quest" in the US, (110A?), but have no idea what they are or what they look like.

[Moriarty]

Why the desire for a huge output alternator?
Surely the big batteries are there to handle those loads, the alternator is only to recharge the batteries.
Ok, the running lights etc are 'supposed" to be driven by the Alt, that Batt is there. initially, to start the beast.

is it possible to take the vac pump off a dead alt, and mount THAT smaller gizmo elswhere, and then you can run a much cheaper ND, delco or whatever alt?
Sure, you say the a/c pump takes up the avail space, but look at the size of the dismounted vac pump? must go to the auto-elec tomorrow, he will have a dead one that I can have to look at.
Reporting back on this in a few days.........

[kiwipete]

Why the desire for a huge output alternator?

Because I want to go for dual batteries, one being the Master for the engine and associated electrics, and the other for my accessories. These being, driving lights, computer, head unit with power amp, gps, winch, LCD screen, PRS radio, etc etc.

Surely the big batteries are there to handle those loads, the alternator is only to recharge the batteries.
Ok, the running lights etc are 'supposed" to be driven by the Alt, that Batt is there. initially, to start the beast.

A bigger Alt will charge things back up faster than the puny 60A one thats stock, wont it?

is it possible to take the vac pump off a dead alt, and mount THAT smaller gizmo elswhere, and then you can run a much cheaper ND, delco or whatever alt?
Sure, you say the a/c pump takes up the avail space, but look at the size of the dismounted vac pump? must go to the auto-elec tomorrow, he will have a dead one that I can have to look at.

The vac pump is part of the alternator, I dont think it is as simple as that to mount it elsewhere like you suggest.

Reporting back on this in a few days.........

I eagerly await your report.

[4wdnuts]

hi pete

try give kaiapoi auto electric a call. they are good guys in there. they may be able to rewind your original alternator for less than what you may think.

[kiwipete]

Thanks, i'll ring them sometime.

[Moriarty]

Ok guys, as promised, went and did the homework re vac pumps and alternators

it CAN be done.
all you need to do is some very close tolerance machining.

basically.

vac P/p has a mains supply of oil and needs an oil return to sump. thats cool, you will already HAVE that.
BUT
vac P/p does NOT have bearings. It relies on the TWO bearings in the ALT to keep alignment.
ergo, to make a stand-alone vac pump you will need to make a plate to mount the vac P/p, with a shaft in two brigs, a spline to drive the vac P/p and a pulley or similar for drive off the fan belt(s)

As I said, it IS possible, after all, ALL things are possible, but I am afraid its just NOT cost effective.

Well, if you have the tools, and the skills and time, it DOES become practicable, but NOT if you had to pay for it.

Sorry..... Bob

[Heath]

Be easier to rig a elec air pumpin reverse (sucking from a tank to create a patrtial vacuum) with a vacuum switch to turn it off, non return valve and use that as a supply for the brake booster/ clutch / whatever or rig a line to the intake manifold with a one way valve.

But of course I am only surmising (guessing) and dont really know anything about vac systems.

Heath

[Moriarty]

Be easier to rig a elec air pumpin reverse (sucking from a tank to create a patrtial vacuum) with a vacuum switch to turn it off, non return valve and use that as a supply for the brake booster/ clutch / whatever or rig a line to the intake manifold with a one way valve.

But of course I am only surmising (guessing) and dont really know anything about vac systems.

Heath

nah heath, that why a vac P/p, diesels dont have much in the way of intake manifold neg pressure.
Thats WHY they haff vac P/ps
elec vac P/p will die cos it MUST run continuous.
Best idee (Most practicable) is to buy modern diesel with vac P/p built into engine block and a standard alt.