Can a transverse bolt be used to move an alternator?
Can a transverse bolt be used to move an alternator?
Some alternators will have a transverse bolt that allows you to move the alternator fore-and-aft in the bracket to adjust belt tension. If not, you may need to use a cheater to keep the alternator in place and take slack out of the belt (an assistant can help here) as you tighten the mounting bolts.
How do I loosen the bolts on my alternator?
Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. In cars without an auto-tensioner pulley, you can relieve the tension on the belt simply by loosening the two bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others.
What should the belt tension be on an alternator?
If not, you may need to use a cheater to keep the alternator in place and take slack out of the belt (an assistant can help here) as you tighten the mounting bolts. Check for the correct belt tension. On an older engine with a V-belt, the belt should have no more than about 1/2″ of deflection in either direction.
How do you connect an alternator to a generator?
Locate terminal “F.” Remove the brown/green wire. Locate terminal “D.” Remove the brown/yellow or plain yellow wire, and connect it to the brown/green wire disconnected from terminal “F” in step 2 above. Insulate the connection. Remove the remaining wires from terminals “AL,” “A,” and “D,” connect them all together. Insulate the connection.
Some alternators will have a transverse bolt that allows you to move the alternator fore-and-aft in the bracket to adjust belt tension. If not, you may need to use a cheater to keep the alternator in place and take slack out of the belt (an assistant can help here) as you tighten the mounting bolts.
Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. In cars without an auto-tensioner pulley, you can relieve the tension on the belt simply by loosening the two bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others.
If not, you may need to use a cheater to keep the alternator in place and take slack out of the belt (an assistant can help here) as you tighten the mounting bolts. Check for the correct belt tension. On an older engine with a V-belt, the belt should have no more than about 1/2″ of deflection in either direction.
What do you need to change an alternator?
Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery. Depending on how much space you have in your specific vehicle, you may be able to use a ratchet, but in some, you may only be able to fit an open-ended wrench.
