John Gagnon

I found the answer to my question. The front mounted pump on the alternator is not an oil pump, it is a vacuum pump that is lubricated by the engine. Diesel engines produce little vacuum, so this auxiliary pump is used to supply vacuum to the power brakes.

I recently purchased this van for use in the Philippines. It's an oddball, coming from Japan originally as a right hand drive, then converted to left hand drive in the Philippines. The engine is clearly stamped a 2L and it has a Turbo on it, although I can't find it listed anywhere for this model of van. I had to change the alternator on it, which involved quite a bit of work, but we finally got it done. The question I have is: What is the oil pump mounted on the front of the alternator for? I would take it that the engine has it's own internal pump, I was just wondering what this second one is for? Thanx in advance!

I recently purchased a 1997 Hiace Super Custom to use in the Philippines. It's a bit of an oddball, built in Japan originally as a right hand drive, but modified in the Philippines to left hand. The engine is a 2L Turbo Diesel, that I can't find listed for the Hiace anywhere, so I have quite a few questions to ask.