Alternator won't spin

[Finally]

Status, after a short get away with our new toy (16 Mazda MX5; oh what fun).

I decided to tackle the job myself. It took me some time to get the alternator off. It's a long reach but the hard part is removing the nuts from the back of the alternator. I installed an AC Delco 180 amp alternator. I called Spartan to verify I can use 180 amp instead of a 170 amp that was installed. I cleaned the wires, used some dielectric grease and its on. The hard part now is what to use on the tensioner; can't get the belt on. The sun was going down so I'll find something that will work.


Sent from somewhere in the USA

[brobox]

Shawn,
IIRC, the tensioner takes a 1/2 inch breaker bar. The slot should be on the swing arm.

Glad you were able to do to the alternator swap.

[Matt D]

Chuck, I think you are correct. I just looked at mine and it is 1/2"

-Matt

[steve11669]

I hope you have or made a diagram of the belt placement.

Great decision to DIY! You will know it was done right. And saved $.

[Finally]

Thanks for the tips, the 1/2 inch fits perfectly.

Can some post up a pic of the belt diagram or an engine picture showing the belt positioning.

Thanks!


Sent from somewhere in the USA

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Finally

Thanks for the tips, the 1/2 inch fits perfectly.

Can some post up a pic of the belt diagram or an engine picture showing the belt positioning.

Thanks!


Sent from somewhere in the USA

This should help.

[Finally]

Success, I have the belt in and she is purring like a kitten, ok, like a 450 hp beast.



Sent from somewhere in the USA

[Finally]

Thanks, it help. I remember seeing a diagram under the hood. It may have been on the original air cleaner.

The take-away for everyone is the 1/2 inch ratchet, keep one in their rig if they ever have a need to replace the belt.


Sent from somewhere in the USA

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Finally

Thanks, it help. I remember seeing a diagram under the hood. It may have been on the original air cleaner.

The take-away for everyone is the 1/2 inch ratchet, keep one in their rig if they ever have a need to replace the belt.


Sent from somewhere in the USA

Happy Trails,
I keep a Long Handle, 3/8" Drive Swivel head ratchet in my box with a 3/8" to 1/2" drive adaptor. The best of both worlds.

[Crabby Mike]

I just stumbled on this thread, and I'm glad to see you got it worked out. I had exactly the same experience in my previous coach. My lessons learned (YMMV):

- Don't let your coach sit for longer than a month or so, if like me you live near the ocean. I'm almost certain that's why my alternator froze up -- sat 3-4 months in the salt air.
- If you have a side radiator, you can do the change-out yourself (alternator and serpentine belt). If you have a rear radiator, get out your wallet. (OP, if you did your own with a rear radiator, you're a better man than I.)
- Take a photo of the rear of your engine, with serpentine belt intact, and keep it on your cell phone! Way easier than trial and error.

[steve11669]

Originally Posted by Finally

Thanks, it help. I remember seeing a diagram under the hood.

I drew a belt/pulley diagram on the rear engine area with a black felt pen for future reference.

[hogdriver]

That's a good idea

[royals1212]

Pictures work well too