To add to the alternator databank here is my experience:

It was a slow death that showed up in a low charge on the dash gauge but it came on so slowly and sometimes went away I hardly noticed. Until the smoke and burned wire smell and a total volt crash. Then that went away also but seeing the writing on the wall I switched it out.

I swear my truck is running smoother now. Its just an overall feeling. Could the low voltage have had some side effects, even with good batteries?

Big Jimmy

 

If it were a 24 valve, it's say the low voltage running the electronics could cause that. Being you have a 12 valve, and it's strictly mechanical, I serisouly doubt it's running smoother...at least because of the alternator.

 

Mybe the fried alternator was putting a drag on the engine?

 

Our 2nd gen. CPU uses many sensors.(most are in the transmission.)
The sensors work with 13.8 volts +or-.
If your alternator goes bad it will cause all kinds of problems.
My alt. went bad and it caused my transmission to shift crazy.
It did not effect the Engine.
In fact I drove from New mexico to So. Cal. without any charging from the alternator.
Good thing I am running 2 1700 odyessy batteries!

New alternator = new truck!

SFB

 

It may be a stretch, but due to the fuel shut-off solenoid being electronic, could it be that as the voltage dropped, your fuel shut off solenoid was not lifting all the way and in turn, you were not getting all the fuel?
Now, with good voltage, your getting slightly more fuel to the engine.

Rich

 

Bingo! The way it was driving a week or two prior to the meltdown was very much like fuel starvation. This was at light throttle.