3.9L Alternator Replace HELP!

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Scott LS

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I have used the search function but have not come up with any guidance on the following.

I have the bottom two bolts removed from the alternator, but I am having difficulty with the top nut and through bolt. I can access the nut and have it turning, but I believe the pass through bolt is also turning.

Question: How do you access the top bolt to get a wrench or socket on it?
 
If you think that getting to the bolts is difficult, just wait until you have it all unbolted and can't get it to clear all the stuff that's still in the way! (Here's the trick---there really ISN'T enough space to get it to come loose. You'll have to force some of the stuff out of the way to make things happen.)

I don't remember the details of getting the top bolt loose, although I've done it several times. But, the first time, there were two of us and I was behind the passenger wheel and my buddy was coming at it from the front of the car. And we were doing it by flashlight in the pits at Maxton. Good Luck!!

KS
 
Thanks Guys!

Got the top bolt out! Turned out it was as simple as re-positioning my spot light so I could finally see the bolt head.

Know my challenge is getting the alternator off of the mounts. Can't get any leverage to pull the alternator off of the top mount. I can pivot the bottom but then the top jams against the power steering pump. Hmmm....

Any ideas?
 
just keep fiddling with it, it is a PITA to get out but after awhile you will find a way to solve the puzzle of getting it out, no real easy way to explain it
 
Keep at it...

Scott LS said:
Thanks Guys!

Got the top bolt out! Turned out it was as simple as re-positioning my spot light so I could finally see the bolt head.

Know my challenge is getting the alternator off of the mounts. Can't get any leverage to pull the alternator off of the top mount. I can pivot the bottom but then the top jams against the power steering pump. Hmmm....

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

I did the job as a one man deal with extensive use of a mechanic's mirror. Not all that memorable but IIRC I used a big screwdriver to get the alt loose from the mount. Getting it down through the rest of the stuff was not too bad, just had to follow the manual and take the PS hose clamp off of the front center location so they'd move enough. Claustrophobic hell.
 
If you rotate the alternator a few degrees and tilt it back so the pully is facing up it will slide right through the opening. Also, dont be surprised if the top doesnt fit back into place, you might have to take it out and put it back in a couple more times. I had to grind the male part down on the alternator a few centimeter for it to fit snuggly.
 
enduring11 said:
If you rotate the alternator a few degrees and tilt it back so the pully is facing up it will slide right through the opening. Also, dont be surprised if the top doesnt fit back into place, you might have to take it out and put it back in a couple more times. I had to grind the male part down on the alternator a few centimeter for it to fit snuggly.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I am not to the point yet for lowering the alternator. I have all three bolts out, but can not break the alternator free from the top mount. I can rock the bottom back and forth from front to rear of the car, but I can not get any leverage to budge the top mount. Any ideas?
 
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Did you take the belt off? Also, its a lot easier to disconnect the ground and plugs before you pull it down.
 
enduring11 said:
Did you take the belt off? Also, its a lot easier to disconnect the ground and plugs before you pull it down.
Click to expand...

Yes, I have the belt off and the bolted wire but not the electrical plug.

The alternator is jammed on the top mount and I can not get enough leverage to move it.

Any ideas? Thanks!
 
see if you can get something to reach from the top and pound it off from above... or keep trying to pry from the bottom... this should fall under the "bigger tool" rule.
 
OK, I am trying the "bigger tool" rule and still not having much luck. I guess there must be bushings on the top mount that are holding the alternator. Next action will be to try and pry from side to side across the bottom mount. You can see in the picture that one of the bottom bushings has been moved out. Maybe this will jar the top mount bushings.

IMG_0337.jpg
 
yea... thats alot of..crud.... If you really wanna go crazy you can wrap a belt or something around the alt to a bar on the ground, under your jack... then lift the car up as you pry... risly but desperate times call for...... (just thinking outside the box)
 
Dynamite. The answer to all your problems.
 
Making progress, have the alternator loose from the top mount.

Now onto the hard part figuring out how to remove the old alternator and slip the new one in.
 
Yuck. I do not envy you.

I have only replaced alternators in vehicles that were very easy to access, most notably the GF's 95 blazer. Right on top, and in front. 1 pull on the tensioner pulley with a ratchet to slip the belt off, three bolts, couple wires. In and out in 15 minutes.
 
Reminds me of the A/C compressor on my Prelude. Took me about six hours. When I finally ripped the damned thing from the car, I launched it about 15 feet across the parking lot of my apartment complex. Made me feel so much better.
 
Easy to work on was my '34 Five-window. Almost everything you'd ever want to do could be done while sitting on one of the front tires.

KS
 
My first car was a '65 Mustang IL6. Was able to pull the starter in about 15-minutes by just opening the hood and using 2 sockets (1 for bolts, 1 for wire). Amazing how simple stuff used to be to work on.

Now everything is so shoe-horned that you almost need to be double-jointed and carry a dozen specialty tools to work on it. Course, I do like not having to set points or crank and pump to get the car started. Guess it's a tradeoff.
 
sounds like your almost there... keep going...

in my 66 plymouth FuryIII.. i would SIT in the engine bay to work on it.... AHHH the days
 
Status report - going for the record longest LS alternator RE & RE ever.

Old one out, new one in, electrical connections complete, both bottom bolts started.

Time for a coffee and then align holes and install the top bolt.
 
I have been watching this thread. Glad you are almost back together.
 
ohh I hated this job! almost 4-5 hours for me to figure out how to drop it out lol but with a lot of patience I got it. First alternator I have ever changed, greattttt car to learn on
 
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