Alternator installation question? | FerrariChat

Alternator installation question?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Big Daddy, Oct 8, 2011.

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  1. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

    Jan 3, 2009
    212
    Albuquerque, NM, USA
    Full Name:
    RJ
    #1 Big Daddy, Oct 8, 2011
    I tried to remove the alternator from my '81 GTSi today. I say try, because I could not remove the long mounting bolt do to it running into the oil dipstick tube. It occured to me that a PO might have installed it backwards.

    In other words, the long bolt is installed from the back of the alternator and the nut is on the front side of the alternator. I think that maybe the bolt should be installed from the front, with the nut on the back side of the alternator. Then the dipstick tube would not be in the way.

    Am I crazy, or is this bolt in backwards? And if it is backwards, is there a way to remove the dipstick tube with the engine still in the car so I can get the bolt out?

    It looks to be attached to the block with a large nut, but I don't see a way to get a wrench on the nut. If the alternator was removed I might be able to get a wrench on there, but that brings me to the problem at hand - removing the alternator.

    Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
     
  2. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,418
    Tequesta, FL
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    Paul Delatush
    #2 pad, Oct 8, 2011
    Remove the alt mounting bracket / alt as a unit.
     
  3. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,257
    UK
    #3 Iain, Oct 9, 2011
    What you have is correct as far as the way the bolt goes. As has been said, remove the mounting bracket from the block.
     
  4. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

    Jan 3, 2009
    212
    Albuquerque, NM, USA
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    RJ
    #4 Big Daddy, Oct 9, 2011
    I though about that but I didn't think I could get a wrench in there with the alternator still in place. I'll try again. Maybe I need a stubby wrench.
     
  5. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 24, 2002
    5,269
    Ventura, California
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    Robert Garven
    #5 robertgarven, Oct 9, 2011
    BD,

    Most turn the bolt around for next time, not sure why it is like that maybe an fastener expert will chime in. I also find that saltus wrenches are a real help here, although getting the dip stick tube nut off i think i always use a short adjustable wrench.
     
  6. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
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    Clyde E. McMurdy
    #6 ClydeM, Oct 9, 2011
    A crows foot on an extention held it still for me.
     
  7. mwr4440

    mwr4440 Five Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 8, 2007
    55,931
    Bavaria, The 'Other' Germany
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    Mark W.R.
    #7 mwr4440, Oct 9, 2011
    As to the bolt, mine came out but I do not recall from the front or back. The parts cat shows it going in from the back and I WANT to say mine did too. :(


    GOOD NEWS, "YES" the dip stick comes out w/o TOOOOOO much effort.

    Get a 22mm(IIRC: PLEASE CHECK) open-end wrench and cut it in half. It is MUCH too long to get in there and you have to work by feel from underneath. Then you can get the large nut on the dip stick tube, off.

    TIP: Don't confuse the dip stick nut with the union to the block-- EASY TO DO.
     
  8. greggbferrari

    greggbferrari Karting

    Jan 4, 2010
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    Seattle, WA
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    Gregg Brown
    #8 greggbferrari, Oct 10, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    It's a 27mm on the dipstick gland nut, and yes it's worth it cut up an inexpnesive wrench. Such a PITA that even I remembered to put it back toghether with antiseize.
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  9. Fastcars575

    Fastcars575 Karting

    Nov 13, 2009
    75
    Texas
    #9 Fastcars575, Oct 22, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Not sure what you mean by this. Can you provide more information as to what you mean? I am trying to figure out how to get the long bolt out (the bolt with the green arrow).
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  10. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    Feb 24, 2002
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    Robert Garven
    #10 robertgarven, Oct 22, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    You have two options, remove the bracket that the bolt is in, or remove the dipstick, the dipstick tube, which is held onto the engine by a large nut, then the bolt will slide out. I have done both. I ended up putting the bolt on the outside, so it is much easier to take the alternator in and out. I am sure there is some great reason the Italians did it this way, however it is a pain!

    Here is a before and after the first pick is the dipstick inner tube which if you ever need to take he oil pan off needs to come out. That is easy once the upper dipstick tube is out you just stick your finger in the hole and pull it out, however for what you are doing you do not need to do this.

    I would just take off the bracket which is also in this pic.

    Rob
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  11. Fastcars575

    Fastcars575 Karting

    Nov 13, 2009
    75
    Texas
    #11 Fastcars575, Oct 22, 2011
    Thanks very much Rob. Hadn't thought about removing the bracket that the bolt is in but I think I'll try that and also turn the bolt around! Many thanks
     

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