I think I screwed up...

[BPfeiffer]

Hi folks. I have a 2002 Discovery 37t with the Cat 3126B. I was attempting to replace my alternator when I found that the lower alternator bolt couldn't be removed because the inlet boot on the turbo was in the way. I looked around and decided that the easiest resolution was the loosen the alternator/AC bracket to get the bolt out. So far, so good. I took the alternator to the bench to remove the pulley, and I noticed a little liquid under the truck, Crawling under, I noticed coolant in the area where the alternator bracket mounts. I doesn't look like there are any coolant passages there, none of the bracket bolts showed any coolant on them, and I'm totally confused as to how I may have breached the cooling system by loosening the bracket. Before I clean this thing down and pressure test it, I was wondering if anyone has any kind of feedback for me...

[twinboat]

The bolt holes may go thru to the cooling system passages, pretty common.

Just use some sealer on the bolts when replacing them..

[Skip426]

I'll have to get out and look at mine : BUT : the bolts may also be the ones that hold the extension housing to the side of the cylinder head .
That housing holds the engine regulators ( Cat speak for thermostats ) and there is a gasket between the housing and the head that may be compromised .

I'll be back . coach is in the back yard .

[Skip426]

OK; I can't get a view between the alternator and the bracket and my hands are too big to reach in to the alternator bracket bolts.

However I do have this diagram of the housing showing the gasket and two of the three bolts that hold it to the cylinder head .
If you think you may have removed one of the bolts and see A/F coming out the bolt holes , then thread sealant should do the trick ; however if you don't have A/F coming out through the holes and it looks like the A/F is running down from the housing past the water pump , then replacing and tightening the bolt may not reseal the gasket .