I am currently running 3 sets of HID lights, along with A POWERFUL SOUND SYSTEM. I have had my fuel pump relay overloads several times in the past 2 years and was told to look into either getting another battery to run the electronics or to get a bigger alternator. Where can I find a bigger alternator for the X300's? And what does everyone think with the fuel pump relay overload?

 

Memory now HAHAHAHA.

Its dark and cold here so I am not going out to take a look. The alternator is an Hitachi (I think), and is fairly gutsy as is. I suppose a higher output is out there, and I would look at Landcruiser etc, or if you can find one, an "old school" auto electrician. He may be able to up the output of the current unit, as we used to do with the Bosch units, but this "modern" stuff is way less forgiving.

A seperate battery is a thought, BUT, the same alternator now has to deal with 2 batteries, so I would fit a second alternator and leave it as 1 battery car. Did that on a kids V12 here, had heaps of sound and stuff draining the system, with the 2nd alternator where the air pump used to live, and simply wired it in sink with the original, solved his flat battery issues for 5 years now.

The fuel pump relay frying is classic fuel pump drawing waaaaaaay too much current, and that may be from old age, or a blocked fuel filter. Either way that is having an effect on the alternator output to the battery, it is all linked. My relay got warm, I knew the signs, changed the filter, not in good knick, and that sorted the issue for 2 years, but the pump finally needed doing, and now the relay is COLD.

 

thanks for that information... so if I were to add another alternator to the car, how would I go on wiring it up?

 

This is simple Aussie talk, so please do not take me as gospel with the X300 as I have NOT done it on this engine/car.

Basically duplicating the existing wiring between the 2 alternators "should" work. The current unit is "internally regulated" and so will the "new" unit, so it "should" be simple.

I would strongly suggest finding an auto electrician and ask him to "load test" the alternator, and ensure it is supplying the amps it is designed to. It is 16+ years old now, and may NOT be charging at peak output. A simple rebuild may be all that is needed.

I think these are 115amp as is, which is some serious grunt.