Would it be prudent to R/R the Alt for Cam Belt R/R | FerrariChat

Would it be prudent to R/R the Alt for Cam Belt R/R

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by christopher, Aug 14, 2005.

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  1. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    Hello Fellow "F"-chatters,

    A question for the experienced:

    Is it a must, needed,or easier, to removie the alternator for the cam belt replacement for a 79 308GTB?

    Thank you very much.

    Chris.
     
  2. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    If there's any chance that oil dropped down from the cam cover/cam seal area & got sucked into the alternator, then by all means remove the alternator & check the brushes & slip rings.

    Oil causes the brushes to eat deep grooves in the slip rings. If the grooves are deeper than a few thou, then the brushes & slip rings need replacing.
    Any alternator rebuilding shop can do the job for $150-$250. They'll also replace the bearings while they're at it.

    Also, there will be a paste of oil & Cu powder all over the alternator's insides. Clean it out with mineral spirits (Do not use: Gas, Kerosene, lacquer thinner, brake cleaner, spray electrical cleaner,... they all attack the varnish insulating the windings and/or leave deposits.)
     
  3. tuttebenne

    tuttebenne F1 Rookie

    Mar 26, 2003
    3,218
    Bay Shore, NY
    Full Name:
    Andy
    While you could pull it and refresh everything as Verell describes for an "oily" unit, you could also leave it alone. Cam belts have been done twice on my 77 and the alternator has not been touched other than for belt adjustment or replacement.
     
  4. Dave

    Dave F1 Rookie

    Apr 15, 2001
    2,722
    Little Rock
    Full Name:
    David Jones
    Remove the belt & bag the alternator.
     
  5. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    Appreciate you advice!

    Chris.
     
  6. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    510
    Orange, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mark Foley
    A point to remember is that the alternator is not easy to get out and when you are in there doing the belts you may want to have it rebuilt, however alternators can go problem free for well over 100K miles.
    When I was putting mine back together, I realized how hard it would be to get back to the alternator and I regretted not servicing the unit before putting it back together.
    The choice is yours.

    Mark
     
  7. tuttebenne

    tuttebenne F1 Rookie

    Mar 26, 2003
    3,218
    Bay Shore, NY
    Full Name:
    Andy
    Speaking only from experience with a carb 308, I see no difference in the difficulty removing the alternator with or without the belts and other items in place. Its still a b**** no matter what.
     

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