Trying to replace alternator

[BenGMain]

Hello,

I have been trying to replace my alternator on my 1983 Maestro VandenPlas1600cc.

When attempting to remove the bottom mounting bolt, the hex head snapped off. :banghead:

I'm thinking of removing the water pump, with the alternator still bolted on the top, but thought I'd see if anyone else could suggest an alternative method?

[ChrisM]

Ah yes, a whole world of pain can be yours when you buy an R-series car...! Took me 4 days to change the alternator on mine, had to take the whole assembly off and take it to a garage to separate... :eek: In fact, I was trying to change the water pump actually, but same difference ;) Might be worth changing that as well while it's all off?

Good luck, and welcome to the forums! Do you have any photos of your car to share? :)

[G51 NAV]

Ah yes, a whole world of pain can be yours when you buy an R-series car...!
At least our fuel pipes don't split/blow off/splatter the engine bay with 97 RON once a week. Seems to be a running theme with S-series owners at the moment. Very nearly worth putting the darn thing in the FAQ :laugh:

Yes...pix please.... :cool:

[D87 SMW]

At least our fuel pipes don't split/blow off/splatter the engine bay with 97 RON once a week. Seems to be a running theme with S-series owners at the moment. Very nearly worth putting the darn thing in the FAQ :laugh:

Yes...pix please.... :cool:

I'm trying to think of a witty reply to that, but I have to give in and agree with you. :o

*is tempted to replace with another 1.3 car*

*has one or three in mind* :worried:

Anyway - R series motoring. Try as Chris says. Also if you could, a few of us here would be interested in seeing photos of your VP.

*phones Ladbrokes for odds of it being Oporto Red*

[e692wtt]

*phones Ladbrokes for odds of it being Oporto Red*

Odds are short ;) .

[BenGMain]

Well my alternator's off. A mate from work told me "I can get that off" and went to work on it with a Dremel :eek: -never been the most subtle, that one
-Bang goes my £10 exchange, but at least it's off - still got the bolt stuck in place though, which I shall be removing this afternoon with the assistance of a blow torch and some gentle tapping with my hammer.

I'll post some pictures just as soon as I've got this little job done and the car washed;)

And the colour, sweepstake anyone? £1 entry....

[BenGMain]

Well, getting that :censored: bolt out was a little more difficult than I anticipated, but it has been done - in the end. My blowtorch plan didn't work so my Mum's bloke came round and used his welding bottles, with success.

So, the new alternator's on, car's working and I'll have some photos on here by the weekend - assuming nothing else goes horribly wrong. (fingers crossed)

Isn't it really frustrating when a simple job like this turns out to be notso-simple?

[maestro vans]

Its always the way Im afraid.
No such thing as a 5 minute job on a maestro!!

[BenGMain]

:)

[ChrisM]

That looks lovely Ben!

[BenGMain]

Thanks Chris,
Those pictures do look quite nice :)
..although photos from the other side do reveal a few items to be tidied up.
Cracked bumper, dinged wing (thankyou Mr Postman, in your van) and a couple of replacement black plastic door handles. (swap for chrome anyone?.......)
I'm not complaining, the car's running nice, and these little things'll keep me out of mischief
:suspect:
..................maybe!

[BikerGran]

oooh Shantung gold! Snap!