Rather strange problem
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
Likes: 49
From: Northern Kentucky
Rather strange problem
In trying to remove the alternator from my '84 F150 351W, I find that the alternator is seized to the bolt that passes through its mounting flange.
At first I thought that the bolt was stuck in the mounting hole in the block, but when the adjustment bolt of the alternator is loosened, the mounting bolt and alternator will rotate together. So I am sure the alternator is seized to the bolt.
I have tried applying both PB Blaster and Kroil to every seam or opening I can find on the alternator mounting but so far nothing has helped. I have even applied heat with heat gun to no avail.
I don't want to do anything that will damage the alternator because it functions fine for now. I just wanted to remove part of the Thermactor pump bracket for now, but down the road the alternator will have to come off so I would like to address this problem now.
Does anyone have any clever ideas for getting this thing loose?
At first I thought that the bolt was stuck in the mounting hole in the block, but when the adjustment bolt of the alternator is loosened, the mounting bolt and alternator will rotate together. So I am sure the alternator is seized to the bolt.
I have tried applying both PB Blaster and Kroil to every seam or opening I can find on the alternator mounting but so far nothing has helped. I have even applied heat with heat gun to no avail.
I don't want to do anything that will damage the alternator because it functions fine for now. I just wanted to remove part of the Thermactor pump bracket for now, but down the road the alternator will have to come off so I would like to address this problem now.
Does anyone have any clever ideas for getting this thing loose?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, GA
Wondering if you can somehow wedge the alternator against something to keep if from spinning...maybe use a pry bar to keep it in place...then try the impact wrench. I'd hate to see you hook an impact to it and have the alternator whipping around.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
You will have a hard time with this, they really get stuck sometimes. The steel bolt reacts with the pot metal or aluminum of the alternator and corrodes it fast. Your best shot is going to be cutting the bolt off next to the engine, taking the alternator off and supporting the casting around the hole while you keep spraying and try to drive it out with a punch. You also could take it to a shop and they could try to press it out with a press. You could also try drilling it out to undermine it, and then try to drive it out.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
Likes: 49
From: Northern Kentucky
Thanks for the replies, guys.
Right now, once the alternator rotates so far it wedges against the water pump.
I thought about cutting the bolt, but I'm not going to do anything like that until it "has" to come off. I'll keep working on it with the Kroil and maybe try the impact gun. Maybe over time the Kroil will work its way in and loosen things up.
Thanks again.
Right now, once the alternator rotates so far it wedges against the water pump.
I thought about cutting the bolt, but I'm not going to do anything like that until it "has" to come off. I'll keep working on it with the Kroil and maybe try the impact gun. Maybe over time the Kroil will work its way in and loosen things up.
Thanks again.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Heat, let it cool a bit, PB Blaster/Kroll, cool. Do that cycle a bunch of times as the heat causes things to open up a bit and the oil then wicks in.
Once you have it off use anti-seize compound on the bolt's sides as well as threads to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Once you have it off use anti-seize compound on the bolt's sides as well as threads to ensure this doesn't happen again.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Western, MD
Whisler - just finished removing my alternator on Saturday, I had the problem you just talked about except my alternator is bad. First realized alternator was not charging then realized the bolt was seized inside the alternator. I put my 16mm impact socket on with breaker bar and snapped the bolt right off still could not get the alternator off. So I cut off a portion of the alternator and straight through the bolt and the alternator is off but now I need a bolt. Will use anti-seize. Anybody know the size of the bolt where I can get one etc...?
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
How do you expect anybody to be able to tell you what you need when you
1) Hijack some other guy's thread with your own problem, and
2) Don't give any information about your own truck, e.g. year, model, engine size, etc.?
Looking up alternator mounting bolts is a PITA and hard enough, and I'm certainly not gonna go look up each and every possible combination & configuration and list 'em for you to choose from - especially in some other guy's thread.
Best thing for you to do is start your own thread with your own problems and give specifics as to what you're working with. With that, people can help. But, not when you just jump into some other guy's thread and expect us to read your mind............
1) Hijack some other guy's thread with your own problem, and
2) Don't give any information about your own truck, e.g. year, model, engine size, etc.?
Looking up alternator mounting bolts is a PITA and hard enough, and I'm certainly not gonna go look up each and every possible combination & configuration and list 'em for you to choose from - especially in some other guy's thread.
Best thing for you to do is start your own thread with your own problems and give specifics as to what you're working with. With that, people can help. But, not when you just jump into some other guy's thread and expect us to read your mind............
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
The bolt is a 7/16-14, you will need to measure the length yourself.
To the OP, I agree with the heat, Kroil or PB Blaster, cool, repeat. I had the same problem on my parts truck, only it was worse because the 88 up 460s have an aluminum casting the alternator and Thermactor pump attach to.
To the OP, I agree with the heat, Kroil or PB Blaster, cool, repeat. I had the same problem on my parts truck, only it was worse because the 88 up 460s have an aluminum casting the alternator and Thermactor pump attach to.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Anyhow, Bill (85lebaront2) provided the generic sizes, you might be able to find an equivalent at a hardware store although it won't have a long shoulder on it like the factory ones do.
-chris
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Western, MD
Whisler - any luck on separating the bolt from the alternator? When I bought the new alternator the parts store would not take the core due to the piece I cut off. I would keep soaking your alt with heat, Kroil or PB Blaster, cool, repeat etc.. especially if you dont have to replace because still works.
Thanks for the bolt size 7/16-14, it is 5" picked one up at the hardware store. My truck is a 1982 2wd F150 I6
Dave (Caldwell F150)
Thanks for the bolt size 7/16-14, it is 5" picked one up at the hardware store. My truck is a 1982 2wd F150 I6
Dave (Caldwell F150)
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
Likes: 49
From: Northern Kentucky
Caldwell F150 - have put the alternator mounting area through several Kroil/heat cycles but no luck yet. Haven't worked on it too much lately due to other projects, but I had better get back on it because, as sure as I let it go, the alternator will fail and I'll have to take it off.
I didn't want to damage the alternator for just the reason that then it can't be used for a core. But if I have no other choice then I do have a cut-off wheel.
I didn't want to damage the alternator for just the reason that then it can't be used for a core. But if I have no other choice then I do have a cut-off wheel.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: Rock Valley, IA
What is the core on an alternator? 5 bucks? Seems like it's not worth it. I would try a little longer with the penetrants but if that doesn't work, leave it until the alternator fails. Then cut it out with your cut-off wheel.
Have you tried the impact route? If you don't get torque crazy you may be able to break it loose with short bursts. it's not that hard to take the fan/shroud off.
Have you tried the impact route? If you don't get torque crazy you may be able to break it loose with short bursts. it's not that hard to take the fan/shroud off.
