2.7 IFS Alternator???

[pietpetoors]

This weekend after hitting one of the dunes I heard that something at the engine sounded like it was running dry. The noise went away a bit later. After hitting another dune I heard the sound again. It sounds as if it comes from the Alternator.

On inspection I found that the alternator fitted to the bakkie is completely open. I checked one of the KZTE's and it is a similar concept.

So when you hit a dune, the sand blows up, the viscous fan force it through the radiator into the engine compartment and because the alternator is completely open all the sand goes into the alternator.

I read in one of the old WegRy articles about guys who did the Luderitz/Walvis trip and the 2.7's alternator packed up on the trip. No wonder it packed up.

My question is: Is there another type of alternator one can fit, one that looks like those old alternators that was closed on the side and had a little fan on the pulley?
Below are two pics. The first is the alternator the second is some sand which was still laying on top of the inlet manifold when I arrived home. This shows how many sand went into the engine compartment.

[BenHur]

Those are the Nippon denzo altenators

When I compared the 7MGE engines the Local Cressida engines had the "closed body" Lucas(or Bosch - can't remember which one) alternators like the ones you referred to in your post where as the Supra engines had the open Denso one like you now have.

How about making a deflection plate to keep the sand out?

[pietpetoors]

Thanks Bennie, I am planning to sommer replace the alternator bearings this week while the old lady is in Nam and I do not have to use the bakkie. I will then investigate a deflection plate. But since this alternator has no fan on like the closed units, wont it then also deflect the air away from the alternator causing it to run hot?

[BenHur]

You mos a clever oke engineer enol design something smart But ja I think you are right simply closing it off will cause over heating so the deflection plates should not stop the hot air from escaping

[JBurger]

Pieter, don't you think a bash plate below the nose will sort the problem? My KZ has the intercooler fitted under the nose and I do not seem to have the problem with sand in the alternator. Washed the motor this morning and did not see much sand in the alternator region.

[pietpetoors]

There is a bash plate under the vehicle and your alternator (or your bakkie's :D ) sits on the other side of the engine and if I remember correctly it is fitted a bit lower than mine.