Remove the Alternator

I know that the mounting bolt runs into the dipstick tube before it will come out of the bracket. From reading other posts it sounds like most people remove the DS tube to get the bolt out. Is there a reason not to cut the end of the bolt off and just use a new bolt when I put the rebuilt alternator back on? If I cut off as much of the threaded end of the bolt as I can will the bolt slide out before it hits the DS tube?

 

Would a less destructive option be to unbolt bracket #26 (if you don't want to mess with the dipstick tube)?:

https://www.ricambiamerica.com/car-diagrams/ferrari/v6-v8/308-group/308gtb-gts/electric-generating-system.html

(Although I'll confess I've forgotten if those two nuts are accessible or not.)

 

I did read a post were the owner removed the bracket but that didn't look like much fun either. if I remember correctly it had to do with cutting down box wrenches to access the bolts.

 

When you put it back together put the bolt in the other direction.

 

The reasons not to try and cut off the bolt are two-fold:

1) It can get pretty well seized sometimes, and the bolt head offers good leverage.
2) It's a VERY hardened bolt in a very confined space, and you're likely to damage something peripheral in the process.

EASIEST solution: Get an "s" wrench, aka, obstruction wrench, and use it for leverage to remove the two mounting bolts of the bracket that secures it to the engine block. Off in 2min, and you can reverse the direction of that pesky carriage bolt once it's off the car. No need to mess with the dipstick tube or do surgery down there.

Per Steve Magnusson's post #2, those bolts are accessible if you first loosen the adjustable tension bracket at the top of the alternator, so that you can let the alternator flop away from the motor. You can reach right over the header and behind the gas tank without disturbing anything. I have a pic in my archive somewhere that I can post later.

 

Cutting the bolt would be the last option I'd choose, after several other last options.

 

I made you a quick and dirty photoshop tutorial:
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This proved to be my best friend, picked up used on eBay for $30. Doesn't need to be a top brand, but it's invaluable for this particular task...
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It is sometimes called alternator wrench. For good reasons.
/Peter

 

Love that tutorial, wildcat. Bookmarking it.

 

Thanks to everyone for the advise and to Justin for the Tutorial. looks like i will be out looking for a wrench this afternoon.

 

Unbolt bracket. Cut 17mm (iirc) box wernch to facilitate removal. Its use will be obvious. Easy peasy lemons squeezy.

 

Nice description, Justin.
But I find it easier to leave the heat shield installed and remove the power supply on the starter. Taking off the alternator together with the wire harness.
BTW. A lot of oily crud there.

Best
Martin

 

Yeah, that was courtesy of the previous owner, who was hell-bent on ruining my car in any way they could. That pic was from the removal before complete restoration last winter I have about 1400 pics and was meaning to post a thread, but haven't had the time. I have so much new respect for the likes of Newman and others who give daily resto updates on their big projects.