Alternator install issue

BRP83SC · 03-29-2008, 01:10 PM

I am in the process of replacing my alternator from my 83 sc; I took out the old one which was straight forward thanks to this site and the "101" book.

I took some pictures as i was disassembling; however, I can't seem to get the back-of-the-alternator cover on. This is the item that fits over the back of the alternator with the fins.

The fin on the left (2) is OK but the fin on the right (1) does not sit properly. Although hard to see, fin 1 is resting on the edge of the housing.

Is fin 1 on the the correct side of (3)?

With the expection of fin 1 everything lines up correctly

Below is a picture

sparkle84 · 03-29-2008, 01:37 PM

Hard to tell from the picture but looks like you need to rotate it 1 stud clockwise.

If you have the housing straight up with the part# in the middle then the right fin should be to the left slightly. Also, if you changed the regulator you might have to cut a notch in the plastic by that top middle stud so it clears.

OldTee · 03-29-2008, 01:41 PM

Maybe this can help. Note modification for updated alternator. Pay attention to location of locator notch.

sparkle84 · 03-29-2008, 01:50 PM

Looking at your picture again it looks like you have the regulator at the bottom. I've only done 1 of these & when I took mine apart the regulator was at the top. Thinking about it I remember there's a notch in the bottom of the plastic cover. So I probably had my regulator positioned wrong & that's why I had to notch it. Sorry bout that. But I'm sure that the fins are positioned to the left of TDC.

Good Luck

Steve

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 03-29-2008, 02:07 PM

Yeah, that's all wack. Regulator goes at 12 o'clock. I've had alternators in and out half a dozen times recently, and the air-guide cover goes on easily--well, relatively easily, considering that you have to do it with the alternator and fan roughly in place after hooking up the wiring.

One incidental caution: When you're putting on all those fiddly little nuts and washers, be super-careful not to drop any, and if you do, be sure you know where it went. I was installing a brand-new alternator several months ago and a flat washer fell off without my being aware of it. It quiety bounced into the alternator in a way that perfectly bridged the gap between the case and the windings. Damn near burned up the car, and probably would have if I didn't have a master switch.

john walker's workshop · 03-29-2008, 02:09 PM

fin one would sit at 9 o'clock the way you have it shown. try 11 o'clock. viewed from the rear of the car. sometimes a notched cover has to be trimmed more to clear the new regulator.

BRP83SC · 03-29-2008, 10:14 PM

Thanks boys

After reading the first couple of responses, I went out and rotated the fin cover and found it proper location. Now, I just need to rotate the alternator a bit and I should be home free.

Stephan, Good Tip; I have one of those telescoping magnetic tip devices and had to use it already to retrieve dropped washers.

On another note, I saw the thread on cleaning up the fan and housing cover. I need not to to the extent as the other pelicaners, but I did hit each piece with Easy Off oven cleaner. Once I rinsed them off, I popped them into the oven which was set to 150 degrees; after about 15 minutes, they were bone dry. Not as cool looking as the others I have see, but clean.

PS, depending on your situation, you want to wait for the Mrs. to fall a sleep before putting 911 parts in the oven to dry.