Replacing alternator on a 4.5
Discussion
Had intended to pop out today to fill up the monster and give it a clean ready for tomorrow. It must have been the threat of a clean I reckon because along with an obvious belt squeal, there was a bit of smoke coming from the back edge of the bonnet. I got no further than driving off the drive and then back on again.
It was obvious that the alternator belt had broken but the cause was not obvious until I started looking into replacing the belt. The alternator has siezed.
Anyway, it's been an amusing couple of hours removing the inlet hoses, one airbox and the fuel rail. The alternator bolts are a complete bastard to get at but in the end I have the alternator free in the V with on 2 nuts lost in the V somewhere (I'll find them when the alternator's out). Now I just need advice on removing the alternator. In some of the threads I have read previously, it seems that I'll need to remove one of the throttle bodies to get it out... which looks a right PITA. I wondered whether it might be easier to remove the air con compressor instead and slide the alt out through the front. Any views on that? The compressor looks to be held on by 2 bolts, and all the hoses seem to be flexible.
Anyone tried it that way?
If not, what advice for removing the throttle body? Are the bolts/nuts obvious? How many and will I need a gasket or some sealant to refit?
Upon refitting the alternator, the adjustment "strap" nut is under the alternator. How in hell do you apply pressure/leverage to tension the belt AND get a spanner head under there?
Finally, re-balancing the throttle body... is this simply a case of using an air flow meter to compare with the other bank?
Thanks.
It was obvious that the alternator belt had broken but the cause was not obvious until I started looking into replacing the belt. The alternator has siezed.
Anyway, it's been an amusing couple of hours removing the inlet hoses, one airbox and the fuel rail. The alternator bolts are a complete bastard to get at but in the end I have the alternator free in the V with on 2 nuts lost in the V somewhere (I'll find them when the alternator's out). Now I just need advice on removing the alternator. In some of the threads I have read previously, it seems that I'll need to remove one of the throttle bodies to get it out... which looks a right PITA. I wondered whether it might be easier to remove the air con compressor instead and slide the alt out through the front. Any views on that? The compressor looks to be held on by 2 bolts, and all the hoses seem to be flexible.
Anyone tried it that way?
If not, what advice for removing the throttle body? Are the bolts/nuts obvious? How many and will I need a gasket or some sealant to refit?
Upon refitting the alternator, the adjustment "strap" nut is under the alternator. How in hell do you apply pressure/leverage to tension the belt AND get a spanner head under there?
Finally, re-balancing the throttle body... is this simply a case of using an air flow meter to compare with the other bank?
Thanks.
The air con compressor has flexi hoses. Looks like I'll only need to unbolt it, and just angle it through 90 degrees to gain enough clearance to slide the alternator out.
I'm gonna have a go this way. Tangoed twisted my arm. Don't yet know how I'll get a spanner in behind the tensioner, but challenges like that are fun, no?
I'm gonna have a go this way. Tangoed twisted my arm. Don't yet know how I'll get a spanner in behind the tensioner, but challenges like that are fun, no?
Well, thanks guys. Kind of you to offer help. There's a chance I may need a 2nd pair of hands, simply to hold the air con compressor while I slide the alternator out. I'm trying to place as little amount of strain on those pipes as I can. I already have the alternator free in the V. I think if I undo the 2 bolts holding the compressor on, then rotate it 90 degrees upwards (with the pipework still attached), the alternator should just slide out.
May pop in to Halfords on the way home too, see if they have any PoR-15. Now that I've exposed the chassis rails around the engine I can see that the metal itself is very good. The powder coating is very poor in certain parts. Some has flaked off. Some needs help to come off. I think I should scrape it off with a chisel and PoR-15 over it.
See you in the morning.
May pop in to Halfords on the way home too, see if they have any PoR-15. Now that I've exposed the chassis rails around the engine I can see that the metal itself is very good. The powder coating is very poor in certain parts. Some has flaked off. Some needs help to come off. I think I should scrape it off with a chisel and PoR-15 over it.
See you in the morning.
ancol said:
can you explain exactly what the fuel rail is and where it is i know its not related but i got to change my starter motor and seem to recall the rail has to be removed. is it the aluminium casting with the ribs in it on top of the engine or am i completely off the mark
I think I should have said "fuel injector rail", which sits on the top of the engine. The fuel rail, which runs from the tank to the engine bay may indeed run close to the starter motor. I can't comment as I've not delved down there yet. Sorry. ancol said:
can you explain exactly what the fuel rail is and where it is i know its not related but i got to change my starter motor and seem to recall the rail has to be removed. is it the aluminium casting with the ribs in it on top of the engine or am i completely off the mark
Thats the one.
Hah, I love that you have that much confidence in me. 
Having gotten as far as I was going to on my own, I stopped and asked opinions (above) and haven't gone back to it since. I'll have another chance later in the week or Saturday (bit busy with end of last month reporting at work).
However I am convinced that the right decision was is to remove the aircon pump. It appears (from observation) to be a trivial task to remove, angle through 90 degrees and slide out the alternator from underneath.
Having gotten as far as I was going to on my own, I stopped and asked opinions (above) and haven't gone back to it since. I'll have another chance later in the week or Saturday (bit busy with end of last month reporting at work).
However I am convinced that the right decision was is to remove the aircon pump. It appears (from observation) to be a trivial task to remove, angle through 90 degrees and slide out the alternator from underneath.
Edited by mars on Monday 5th March 18:47
Ah, I see. Worth knowing.
Haven't got a new one or belt yet Neil. Will get the old one off first then go round a few places to see who could find me a replacement.
Looks like I'll be working from home tomorrow afternoon and Thursday afternoon. If nothing crops up at work, I'll move it on a bit...
I appear to have all the gear (tools), plenty of idea (experience) but no motivation (fat lazy barstingthing).
Haven't got a new one or belt yet Neil. Will get the old one off first then go round a few places to see who could find me a replacement.
Looks like I'll be working from home tomorrow afternoon and Thursday afternoon. If nothing crops up at work, I'll move it on a bit...
I appear to have all the gear (tools), plenty of idea (experience) but no motivation (fat lazy barstingthing).
mars said:
Ah, I see. Worth knowing.
Haven't got a new one or belt yet Neil. Will get the old one off first then go round a few places to see who could find me a replacement.
Looks like I'll be working from home tomorrow afternoon and Thursday afternoon. If nothing crops up at work, I'll move it on a bit...
I appear to have all the gear (tools), plenty of idea (experience) but no motivation (fat lazy barstingthing).
Haven't got a new one or belt yet Neil. Will get the old one off first then go round a few places to see who could find me a replacement.
Looks like I'll be working from home tomorrow afternoon and Thursday afternoon. If nothing crops up at work, I'll move it on a bit...
I appear to have all the gear (tools), plenty of idea (experience) but no motivation (fat lazy barstingthing).
I Guess it would be apt to quote 'BAT FASTARD' on the no motivation thing !!I am sure you & others understand !!
It looks like my alternator will need attention (99 4.5). My mate MAL @ www.trentsideclassics.co.uk will be looking at it on friday. I've checked the big 100amp fuse and that's ok, so next stop alternator. Mal suggests that if it's the alternator brushes, he should be able to fix it while I wait! So, I'll be watchin carefully and let you know any tricks if you don't manage to fix yours before then... 
. Hope you get it sorted soon.... Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff