off-roader
Expedition Leader
The enemy of our Alternator's isn't the water necessarily, it's more the mud that wears them out in my experience.
Critical Spares 2nd Gen Montero
- Thread starter LaOutbackTrail
- Start date
Of course... but how often are the water/mud crossing crystal clear water? The brown coloration in the water is usually extra fine sediment which builds up and what causes the problems.
And, just like any other electrical component and device, water effectively acts a short within the component. An alternator being a generator of electricity... well, its obvious, water isn't its bff.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
The reason I bring it up is crossing a moving creek doesn't really mess with them too much. It's all the playing in a mud hole that really messes them up.
Monterorider
Adventurer
Nice pics. Nice to know ahead so alternator may not be such a bad idea. Early Gen 2s and Gen 1 had an advantage with alternator mounted at very top of engine. Gotten it a bit muddy few times. Never failed.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
You just haven't done it enough. Also, be careful you wash out all the mud & be especially careful because it can build up in the cogs of your timing belt gears and you can loose timing and valves, and part of your heads. Don't ask me how I know. Ask cap510.:Wow1:
After seeing what it did to his engine, I've decided to avoid huge mud puddles for now.
After seeing what it did to his engine, I've decided to avoid huge mud puddles for now.
Yeah, I looked at a 94 SR and saw the alternator was on top. I literally shouted "Score!" when I saw it. Went and checked out my 95 (5 hours away and pretty much committed to the deal) and found the alternator on the bottom! dang it.
I'm looking more critically at my spares list now..... :Wow1:
Gah that is the love/hate of mud, it is fun till you come home and have to tear apart your alt to clean all the crap out after a great mud run. I figured out after the third alt this was going to be necessary if I wanted to not have to buy a new one every year. Of course this was my old 88 4Runner, and I found a sealed unit which was on my list till I had some issues with a oil passage...
Can you post a link to the unit?
SoCalMonty
Explorer
If we carried as many spare parts as have been suggested, plus a trip's worth of food and gear, and possibly a passenger, and a toolbox big enough to carry all of the tools required to change all of the spare parts we're carrying - I shudder to think of the curb weight and how tightly packed things would be!
I think that some good PMCS (preventive maintenance, checks and services) would eliminate the need to carry half the spare parts mentioned. Trip route, duration, and distance from services should probably weigh in to what parts are carried.
But really...shocks, tie rods, ball joints, computers, CV axles, and an alternator?! Maybe if I was doing a 30 day trip in Africa or something!
I think that some good PMCS (preventive maintenance, checks and services) would eliminate the need to carry half the spare parts mentioned. Trip route, duration, and distance from services should probably weigh in to what parts are carried.
But really...shocks, tie rods, ball joints, computers, CV axles, and an alternator?! Maybe if I was doing a 30 day trip in Africa or something!
How often do you go where services are more than half a days drive from the remote location in which you are traveling? How far are you from a parts store that carrys a good stock in Mitsubishi parts? My "PMCS" involved rebuilding the engine and replacing all worn components before the first trip. What is yours? Change the oil?
You do know our trucks are NOT chevys and Toyotas, right? Parts aren't available at Walmart. They're Mitsubishi Monteros pick your vintage. It took trips to three stores to find an airfilter in a reasonably sized town in Arkansas and I was certainly shocked that a transmission filter was found at all....
My list of spares will go like this for the future:
Spare airfilter IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER!----my spare got more wet than the one in the air box....
Spare tie-rods
Computers
Power Steering Pump
MAF
TPS
IAC
Alternator
Starter
All Fluids plus 10% extra.
If I'm going to be on more rocks, I may add CV axles. But I go pretty easy on rocks, plus I hear our trucks' axles are stout.
Mine has been weeping a bit since I put the 33 12.50s on the truck. I got the pump for free. It's small and light and easy to change if the need arises, so It doesn't bother me to carry it.
I don't know if its a weak link.
I don't know if its a weak link.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
In my experience, its not. The steering pump in your rig is probably the original unit. Just replace it and keep the original in your garage as your spare instead.
Your iac is not something you need to carry. They can go bad and your engine will usually still run fine. There is a remote possibility they could take out your ECU but that doesn't happen that often.
The TPS and MAF are also not usually required unless you plan to let your rig exercise in water regularly.
The alternator and starter are usually reliable unless you have other issues like water or oil intrusion into them so usually there's no need to bring spares depending on the kind of trip you're on.
As for fluids, I do bring...
6qts motor oil
1-4qts ATF
1 G 90wt gear oil
1 gallon coolant
I also have 5 gal water (drinking) which can be used for the engine or wiper fluid.
CV's don't break that often but with age... Same goes for the axles.
HTH
In my experience, its not. The steering pump in your rig is probably the original unit. Just replace it and keep the original in your garage as your spare instead.
Your iac is not something you need to carry. They can go bad and your engine will usually still run fine. There is a remote possibility they could take out your ECU but that doesn't happen that often.
The TPS and MAF are also not usually required unless you plan to let your rig exercise in water regularly.
The alternator and starter are usually reliable unless you have other issues like water or oil intrusion into them so usually there's no need to bring spares depending on the kind of trip you're on.
As for fluids, I do bring...
6qts motor oil
1-4qts ATF
1 G 90wt gear oil
1 gallon coolant
I also have 5 gal water (drinking) which can be used for the engine or wiper fluid.
CV's don't break that often but with age... Same goes for the axles.
HTH
The transmission requires 7.8 qts. I found that about 5-6 qts were used when changing the fluids without draining the transmission cooler.
I guess the biggest issue is space and weight. But for me, the vehicle is a system and most all of the parts are integral to the overall function of the vehicle. I'd rather replace the PS pump on the trail than burn up my steering rack. I'd rather replace the MAF in 10 minutes than worry about poor fuel economy and rough idling. Or break a tie rod and be unable to steer. For you guys who wheel within walking distance of your home yall can do that! :ylsmoke: