Overrunning Alternator Pulley Failure and Charge Rates

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I have a 2010 Prado GX diesel which I have owned for the last three years and has now done 250,000km. On Friday heading to work I noticed that the battery light was coming on intermittently. I assumed that my alternator had failed but when I removed the alternator I noticed that I could spin the pulley without the alternator armature its self spinning, so it seems that the one way clutch in the over running alternator pulley has failed. The interesting thing is that I have replaced this pulley about two years ago because it was making an annoying rattling noise.

Does it seem unusual that the pulley would fail after only two years and maybe 50,000km? Its a Nuline (Dayco) pulley and they only have a 12 month/20,000km warranty but I would have expected it to last much longer.

My second question about the alternator charging voltage. I have refitted the old pulley to the alternator to confirm that the pulley was in fact the cause of the charging problem. When I checked the voltage at the battery it read 14.28 volts but I expected it to fall to closer 13v once the engine had warmed up but after a 50 minute drive to work it was still putting out 14.2volts. Is this normal or is my alternators regulator playing up?

I'm trying to decide whether I just replace the alternator pulley for about $100 or the whole alternator for $385. The current alternator is an aftermarket Jaylec brand (sold by Super Cheap Auto?) which was fitted before i purchased the car.

Any information and suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks

Stocman

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I would usually choose genuine parts for parts related to the engine. Or at least a brand that supplies to Toyota but not some no name brand. From reading through automotive forums, there seems to be more reports of the replaced part failing after it is fitted and owners resorting to genuine parts. There are of course exceptions, but generally, stick with genuine parts.

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Jaylec are junk. Get a Denso thru Ashdown Ingrams. Genuine is about 280 trade (130Amp).

[Stocman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Stocman]

Thanks Piggy. I thought genuine Denso alternators where much more expensive than that and on Ashdown Ingrams website I can only find OEX brand Denso style alternators. Do you have the part number for the 130A Denso one you bought?