Charging problems in 85 4runner

[lowgeared]

On my way home today my brake light and charge light came on for a while, then they went off.  My Optima is blowing a little liquid out of the vent.  Would this indicate an overcharging problem?  My check ebgine light has came on a few times when under heavy load at real low rpm's while wheeling.  I assumed this meant the O2 sensor was smelling some funk, but I read tonight in a manual that the check engine light indicates an electrical problem.  Now I'm really confused!    

[scheid6996]

how old is ur Optima

[Rockdiver]

I had a check engine lit coming on at low rpm  found loose batt connections and bad main wire to fuse box (bad crimping up by previous owner)  Lynn

[shifter]

check your alt and the wires going to it . mine did the same thing last year on the con . had to walk 3 mil out .
also check the igniter wires the some time get hot and melt togeather and well do the same things

[lowgeared]

My Optima is like six months old.  All my battery wires are 2/0 welding cable with crimp on ends.

[CTENG in KS]

How old is your alt?  Mine was doing the funky engine light dance two months ago...alt was toast.   

[lowgeared]

This is really strange.  I tried and tried to duplicate the problem tonight with no results.  My multimeter shows 14.55 volts right about idle.  Even with the AC on high, stereo on, and hi beams on with engine running.  I treid my best to discharge it with the key in the on position, engine off, fuel pump on plus everything previously listed, and it still sits around 12 volts.  When I start it, it jumps right back to 14.55 and recharges the battery.  Her is my next theory....my ps pump has been leaking for a while.  I plan on changing it out this weekend.  Anyway the alternator has fluid all over it.  Could something have stuck open or closed for a bit due to the oil soaked throughout the alternator?  Never have been into a yota alt so I have no idea whats in there---I am assuming these are internally regulated??

[Rockdiver]

Mine was greasy and when I pressure washed the motor it got wet .  It started overcharging when I started it and fried an optima red top battery.

[lowgeared]

I changed the ps pump out with one that doesn't leak and blasted the alternator with brake clean.  Once all back together, The alternator was putting out 17.5 volts.  New alternator time.