Alternator removal
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
Alternator removal
I have been trying to get the alternator off my '83 F100 (4.9L) for a week (off and on) now. One bolt (not the tensioner bolt) is siezed and the head is now stripped. I tried heat, PB Blaster, wrenches, sockets, breaker bars, etc and got no where except to the point I now have a stripped head. I'm open for additional suggestions but I'm suspecting my next step is to cut or grind off the head. What should be my expectations at that point. Once the head is off the bolt will the alternator slide off? Is the bolt head the part that is most likely siezed to the alternator, or are the bolt threads siezed in the bracket? I just want to have an idea of what I may be in for.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 907
Likes: 6
From: nw pa.
been there...
the bolt is probably seized in the bracket.
I would cut the head off and try.. to get the bracket off.
if you can then you have a long metal shaft, a torch and a pipe wrench...
standby to go to junk yard...
good luck !
I would cut the head off and try.. to get the bracket off.
if you can then you have a long metal shaft, a torch and a pipe wrench...
standby to go to junk yard...
good luck !
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Unfortunately, when the pivot bolt is badly corroded into the cast bracket cutting the head off is not going to help.
I wish you luck!
I'm all for packing the pivot full of grease on replacement.
Stainless bolts are difficult to find that long.
I wish you luck!
I'm all for packing the pivot full of grease on replacement.
Stainless bolts are difficult to find that long.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,005
Likes: 2,750
From: Virginia
You are going to end up cutting the bolt off at the back of the alternator with a sawzall or something like that. Of course, cut into the aluminum of the alternator, save the front of your engine and try to avoid cutting into it as much as possible. If you cut into the alternator, hopefully it will come on off and leave a little bit of the bolt in the head sticking out. It usually comes right out with some vise grips.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 5
From: Orlando area
This problem has been discussed before. It is not the bolt seized into the cyl head but the the bolt seized into the aluminum alt housing. if you cut off the bolt head the alternator will still be frozen to the bolt (stuck in place).
What has been successful is to drill a hole (maybe a couple) of holes through the aluminum of the alternator housing where the pivot bolt goes through. Once you have a hole drilled, spray in some penetrating oil. Don't cut of the bolt head - you need that to apply force to break the bolt free.
What has been successful is to drill a hole (maybe a couple) of holes through the aluminum of the alternator housing where the pivot bolt goes through. Once you have a hole drilled, spray in some penetrating oil. Don't cut of the bolt head - you need that to apply force to break the bolt free.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2009
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Thanks for the replies. I'm in the middle of cutting off the alternator right now. But more involved than I wanted, but I'm in it now! I'll let you know if or when I get this done.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 983
Likes: 49
From: Northern Kentucky
Had the same problem on my '84 351W, the alternator was seized to the bolt. I ended up cutting off the alternator mounting ear from the bolt with a chisel. then the bolt came right out.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
I went through three large cutting blades and six dremel cutting blades, numerous runs to the hardware store, and several bandages. The new one is installed now but I'm not starting the truck till the morning. I ended up cutting the alternator off the bracket and then cutting the bracket into pieces and sliding the bolt out. I think I had every tool out in the drive to get this done. Thanks for all the help!
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