Alternator Questions
 

So, the new alternator is coming as the current one has bearing that sing louder than an opera singer juiced up on a 40. The manual and Waynes book provide good detail but the only part I am concerned with is getting the fan off the post. The books suggest a press may be required.

What has been your experience? Easy to remove? Any pointers would be helpful...

sam,
the job doesn't require a press if you don't have one...patience working around the circumference with light mallet taps will pay off to remove and replace...just be sure you get it on straight, otherwise it will rub. if you think it's rubbing, it probably is. it took me a few attempts to get it perfect...you will too.
ryan

Ryan:

Thanks man. I want to get this project and a fuel pump replacement knocked out before the trek to Hersheys...

Or the tried and true JW method. Space two 4x4's far enough apart to clear the alternator, but catch the fan. Place a towel underneath. Drop alternator/fan from a height of 8-10" onto wood blocks. One or two tries normally will pop the two apart. Sounds brutal, but really doesn't hurt anything.

I'd like to see my wifes face as I am doing that...

kurt!
hey man, have you forgiven me for yesterday's thread about the vent control slight? i was expecting the iron maiden or worse! :eek: hey, i'm an arkansan...
;)
ryan

Ryan, having reviewed my list of dumb things you can do with your 911, your thread doesn't even rate a blip on the radar screen!

:D

Dumb things...hmmm...stay tuned to this thread...I am just getting started with projects!

I recently faced this problem hte fan was stuck on the shaft and normal force would not move it.
I got nervous about breaking the fan so I got creative.

On the front of the fan there and numerous holes drilled in it outside where the belt runs, just under 1/4" in diameter.
I used a 1/4" 20 tpi tap and threaded two of these holes, 180 degrees apart. I packed the tap with grease to catch and chips and keep them from going places they shouldn't, if you are replacing the alternator this would not be a concern.

I used two long 1/4" bolts with washers and a bar across the shaft from my puller set (harbor freight tools, around $8).
With very little force the fan came off. I was very pleased that it was so easy and also that I didn't damage anything.
The balance was not affected, I personally can't see any down side to doing this.
NOTE: I'm just explaining what I did and what worked for me.
I'm not neccesarily making a recomendation or saying this is what should be done.
YMMV, proceed at your own risk, don't try this at home, professional driver on a closed course and any other disclaimer I can think of.

Hmmm, another good suggestion.

The fan usually comes off with some good tugs. I pull the fan off while the housing is still mounted atop the motor. Put some antiseize on the shaft before you reinstall the fan.

Like Kurt said, the alt. itself is the bugger. It's sometimes squeezed into the housing pretty good. The gravity method is a good idea! Before hearing that, I tapped on the backside of the alternator with a punch and tiny hammer. Took a long time and you have to make sure to pick a sturdy location on the alternator body............ :eek: ask me how I know. Also put some antiseize on the fan housing before you push the alt. back into the housing. Made my alternator replacement really easy last fall.

Great ideas, be aware that on the shaft you will see a "key" ( small metal object that slides into a slot on the shaft) Be careful not to loose this as it is crucial to the fan/alternator revolution.

I took JW's advice (I'd be a fool not to), and this method worked great. Go for it!

I am thinking about the 2x4's spaced apart with the fan on them with the alternator hanging below, another piece of wood atop the shaft and light taps with a mallet...the alternator is shot so I am not worried about damaging the shaft. What says the jury?

"we the jury, sentence you to a term of patience with a mallet..."
ryan

The jury says be careful, that fan is kinda fragile. Agreed, who cares about the alt. It's just a core.

I'll go slooooow...be kind to the fan...the fan is our friend...Zen and the Art of Porsche Fan Removal...

Fans are aslo expensive. I chickened out when mine was stuck.

Nobody mentioned PB Blaster???