Sagitarii Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 A week before Thanksgiving, I had to replace the alternator in my Cutty. What an ordeal, it started with me accidentally locking my keys and wallet in the car, after I had disconnected the battery. My wallet had the cardkey for my apartment in it. I finally tailgated in to the place grabbed a key, and didn't find out that I had just the Ignition Key! I spent a lot of time on my back in a cold garage but I was able to follow Slicks instructions. I don't know how he gets this done in an hour. I Think I was in it for 14 hours. My hands looked like I'd washed them in a bucket of razor blades. Slicks how to helped, I wished the pictures were viewable. I couldn't get the plastic duct popped back in the back of the Alternator, but I did get it done. Probably saved $500 in labor. I am glad I found this site!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 you didnt put that really long bolt back in did ya? oh and whenever you decide you wanna sell your car, let me know. Seriously. Im only a days drive away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 First time I did one of those alternators I was into it for about 13 hours back in 2004. the second third and fourth times are far easier If I am rushing and trying to get it done I can do one in around an hour now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagitarii Posted January 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 Which long bolt ?? The one on the back i didn't mess with, the other thing I couldn't get popped back in was the spacer. I usually drive my cars until the wheels fall off them. I'll keep you in mind. Where's Shelton ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bg35765 Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 It took me over 7 hours to do mine, so don't feel bad about that. I think the long bolt he is talking about is the one on the top of the alternator. I actually did put mine back in because I figured out a trick that made it not so bad to access. I was having a really hard time getting to that top bolt from underneath the car, so I jacked the cradle back up and did it from above the car. I was able to use a deep well socket with the small 1/4" ratchet so it came off really quickly. When I put that bolt back in I raised the engine again. I had to get it started with a box end wrench because there was not enough room to get the ratchet in there at first. But after getting it in several turns I was then able to use the ratchet again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 the bolt that goes into the back of the alt is the bitch. Everyones leaves that one out, including me. The top bolt is put in/out with the cradle up, the bottom bolt when the cradle is down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagitarii Posted January 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 Next time .. I am investing in some Gear wrenches. I did a couple of stupid things. 1) Broke the field wire at the connector. Soldering that back on in the car was a bitch. 2) The brass stud had retreated back into the housing far enough I had to grind a wrench to fit. I suppose later this year I'll have to tackle that oil leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtremerevolution Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 7-14 hours to change an alternator the first time? With a writeup?!?!?! :exclaim: I'll leave it at that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99screaminregal Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 Yeah, ouch. Bonded w/ my LQ1 the same when I did the oil pan and gasket. If you have a Haines Manual BURNT IT!! Take a 4x4 post, some 2x4 pieces and 2, 2ft long pieces of chain and suspend the engine. Drop the subframe w/ out disconnecting the ball joints (also undoing the proper hoses and lines). Opens up the underside sooooooooo nicely. Took me almost 2 weeks to do with my job and family schedule and lack of proper knowledge (thank you Haines Corp.). Any questions along the way, feel free to ask Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 yeah first time around it sucks. most any car has its big PITA jobs that should be easy. 3100 downpipes can kiss my ass after getting so used to the easy to get at DOHC ones. I'll do 3.4 lower intake gaskets any day of the week before doing 3800/3x00 ones, power steering pump is cake compared to the bastard pump on my bonneville that went out twice on me. I could go on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 water pumps are cake as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 LQ1 oil drive how to: http://60degreev6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 I'll keep you in mind. Where's Shelton ? right next to Olympia. wife and I have talked about taking a trip out to Flathead lake this summer. If we do, ill have to drop by and have a beer with ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagitarii Posted January 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 olympia .. thats my birthplace .. dad was in the army .. flathead lake is one of the last best places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Fury Posted January 2, 2010 Report Share Posted January 2, 2010 My hands looked like I'd washed them in a bucket of razor blades. Not many visuals get to me, but whew, that one really sickens me. But I've been there done that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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