how to remove/install alternator?

[98stangv8]

what is the easiest way? how do you deal with the belt? Please give any help you can...mine locked up today and I am having it rebuilt.

 

[98blackmagic]

A chainsaw to remove and super-glue to install.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

This is extremely easy, it could not be in a more accessible location. A Haynes manual will help if you need it. A 3/8" breaker bar will release the belt.

 

[Mike97gt]

it is very easy as kilgore said.. on the belt tensioner you will see a hole that fits a 3/8 breaker bar or socket.. insert breaker bar in there and pull so the pulley moves away from the belt.

only other thing is make sure you disconnect the battery.

 

[98stangv8]

I have a chromed alternator now...is there any disadvantage to just having one rebuilt, as to retain the chrome outer shell, so I don't have to fork out 300 bucks for a new one?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Depends on what is wrong with it. If it just needs new brushes or regulator, then yeah those parts are easy enough to repair for cheap.

 

[98stangv8]

Depends on what is wrong with it. If it just needs new brushes or regulator, then yeah those parts are easy enough to repair for cheap.

well, I went through 3 batteries in the past 5 months...then today it was driving fine...I was sitting idle for about 20 minutes, and smelled something burning...shut the car off...it wouldn't restart...jumped it...and the pulley on the alternator wasn't turning at all...belt was going right over it...I don't know anything about alternators...looks like it was dying over the last couple of months...and today it met its end...

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Oh yeah... Then you will need a whole new alternator. You may be able to swap the chrome parts onto the new alternator though...

 

[98stangv8]

Oh yeah... Then you will need a whole new alternator. You may be able to swap the chrome parts onto the new alternator though...

so when the "rebuild," they do the whole inside then?

 

[timeless2]

so when the "rebuild," they do the whole inside then?

Yup.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

You can buy two types of alternators; new and refurb. Do not buy the refurb unless you like changing your alternator. Trust me on this...

 

[98stangv8]

You can buy two types of alternators; new and refurb. Do not buy the refurb unless you like changing your alternator. Trust me on this...

you guys rock....do you know if the higher powered alternators use the same outer shell as the 130 amp ones like I have, or are they different on the outside?