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348 Alternator woes

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by dade, Jul 13, 2006.

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  1. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #1 dade, Jul 13, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Special thanks to that nifty search button, I've found all the greatest jacking points and alternator suggestions. While in the process of removing the alternator, I've run into a situation and I'm calling for help!

    Here is a picture where the main alternator bolt is unable to be removed due to there not being enough clearance as the shifting cables bracket is in the way. Has this bolt been put on backward? Any suggestions on removing the bolt without cutting it?

    It was hard enough to break the bolt free, and this has been one big headache ever since. Thanks in advance for the ideas and allowing me to vent a little.
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  2. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    #2 Verell, Jul 13, 2006
    Don't know if it's applicable to a 348, but the 308 qv & 328 have a similar problem. The pivot bolt won't come out due to the dipstick tube being in the way. On them you can just pull the alternator mounting bracket.
     
  3. racer

    racer Karting
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    #3 racer, Jul 13, 2006
    why don tyou remove the shift cable bracket
     
  4. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #4 dade, Jul 13, 2006
    Yes, this is what I will do this evening :)

    Do you think the bolt is in correctly in this picture? If the bolt were placed going through the other end, there would be more than enough clearance for every aspect of this uninstall.
     
  5. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

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    #5 Miltonian, Jul 13, 2006
    The Spare Parts Catalog shows that the lower bolt goes in from the back.
     
  6. racer

    racer Karting
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    #6 racer, Jul 13, 2006
    Thats correct there is not enough room to install it from the front as I recall but it has been a while since I have done one.
     
  7. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #7 dade, Jul 13, 2006
    the bolt is out, the belt is off, but the alt wont come out all the same. am i missing another bolt? there is no visual to the top of the alt and i cannot feel any other problematic bolts... . ideas? tia....
     
  8. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #8 dade, Jul 13, 2006
    scratch that, i found it. pics soon.
     
  9. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #9 dade, Jul 13, 2006
  10. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #10 dade, Jul 14, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  11. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

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    #11 Miltonian, Jul 14, 2006
    Shouldn't have broken unless:
    1) The bolt on the pulley wasn't loosened before adjusting the belt, or
    2) The wrong belt was used (too long) and the adjuster went to the limit of the travel on the slot and put all of the pressure against the bracket, instead of the belt, or
    3) You REALLY reefed on it!

    Is it possible that you installed an A/C belt onto the alternator? I'm not sure what would happen in this case.

    In any case, sorry it happened. The bracket is part #145357. Good luck.
     
  12. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 PAP 348, Jul 15, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #13 dade, Jul 15, 2006
    1. I loosened it taking the old alternator off, it was all the way loose
    2. It was the same belt that came off - it's in perfect shape
    3. Most likely the case :(

    Thanks for the part #. I don't think it's going to be a common part, probably a special order item.

    Hesitant now with a new bracket seeing as I don't know what caused this to happen, and I don't want it to happen again.



    Pap, nothing like driving a ferrari with a big house shirt on! I need the trousers to go with, then I'll have full attire :D
     
  14. LarryS

    LarryS Formula Junior

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    #14 LarryS, Jul 15, 2006
    Looks like you could make something to pull the adjusting pulley up so you could tighten the lock bolt. You should be able to drive the car while waiting for a replacment part or for a better time to remove the part and have it welded. A "good" aluminum welder could put a nice bead of weld along that break......
     
  15. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 ernie, Jul 15, 2006
    Ah yes, yet another member of the brotherhood doing his own work. I love it.

    The reason the bracket broke is because, it is a crapass casting. Call GT Car Parts (623)780-2200 and get a used bracket. Since you have the AC Delco alternator make sure you let them know that, this way they done send you the bracket for the Nippondeno alternator. The two brackets are completeley different and are not interchangable. Or you can just have a new bracket made.

    Keep up the good work.
     
  16. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #16 dade, Jul 15, 2006
    I find part# 139295. $833.01 makes me sad....

    Anyone have any steel fabrication specialist referrals? I don't want another part that will break again :(
     
  17. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

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    #17 Miltonian, Jul 15, 2006
    Oops - the part number I quoted was for a Nippondenso alternator. Good catch.

    I would think that a sheet metal fabricator could indeed make a steel bracket out of simple materials, with a few gussets for strength, that would do the job just fine. But hopefully you can find a used bracket for a reasonable price. In fact, since quite a few people have done the upgrade from the Delco alternator to the ND alternator, there should be quite a few of the Delco brackets just sitting around collecting dust - just need to find them!!
     
  18. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #18 ernie, Jul 16, 2006
    CALL UP GT CAR PARTS ALREADY!!!!!

    I had to replace the bracket for my nippondenso and it was about $100. I don't see why it would be any more for an AC Delco.
     
  19. dade

    dade Rookie

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    #19 dade, Aug 9, 2006
    I realize I completely forgot to update this.
    I was able to get the bracket fairly inexpensively and was able to get it all put back together with some help @ FoW.

    I purchased a rebuilt alternator, the same Delco part that came off. Less than 200 miles later, and my battery light is on again. Another alternator test determines the part is fried, I don't know why. I'll be replacing it shortly.

    So I've searched around a little. FoW suggests upgrading to the Nippon alternator and states that the Delco alt's are prone to failure. I certainly don't want to break down anywhere due to this failure again, but spending another $1k+ isn't ideal either. The Delco is 105amp, iirc, and should put out plenty of power for all the 348 electrics; however I have a pretty high end stereo with a fairly hefty amp to power it. Before I dive into another alternator/project upgrade, I thought I'd reach out to see your experiences with rebuilt Delco units.

    Thoughts?
     
  20. NYCFERRARIS

    NYCFERRARIS Formula 3

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    #20 NYCFERRARIS, Aug 9, 2006
    Hi,
    Ferrari switched to alt's for this very reason. the delcos can be uprated by a rebuilder and can do fine service if youtake it easy on the elec. demands...thant means stock stereo and certainly no high power headlights!

    depending on how much you drive the car and the value you put on the music ( you should let the engine/exhaust be your soundtrack) determines the value ofthat 1K outlay ( for an alternator no less!) the 348 has loads of electrical issues and it wants a solid alternator. I uprated my stock delco ( Iheard rumors that they were jeep surplus alt's that ferraris picked up cheap...sounds like bs to me) and went to a optima battery and stayed stock onthe electrical demands cleaned all the contacts well and so far so good and hope fo the best..but still have my aaa membership paid up. good luck!
     
  21. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
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    #21 sparta49, Aug 9, 2006
    Dade Call GT CAR Parts 623-780-2200 I broke the brackets on my ex 348 alt also I bought used ones from Bill for $150 if IRC
     
  22. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

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    #22 Miltonian, Aug 9, 2006
    My Delco alternator was rebuilt at a small local shop five years ago for less than $100. My battery is a cheap off the shelf unit from Costco, six years old. Both have been 100% trouble-free since installed. I have a normal Alpine stereo, no amps.
     
  23. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #23 ernie, Aug 10, 2006
  24. orteguita

    orteguita Rookie

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    #24 orteguita, Aug 11, 2006
    Have you said you put your old Delco belt with your Nippo? I think they are differents, aren't they?. Here you are codes
    #138325 (DELCO)
    #156703 (NIPPO)
    Soon
     

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