911sc alternator removal -- help!!

brian-80SC · 07-08-2014, 03:02 PM

Hi, I need some help on my current job. I'm trying to get my alternator out of the car for possible replacement. I've read a bunch of threads and several tech guides here on the site to help with getting in out. However, I'm having trouble getting the six nuts off the back of the plastic air guide on the back of the alternator.

I've got 4, but can't get to the other 2. None of the guides I've found so far say much about this step! Any tips or suggestions?

If it helps, the car is a 1980 SC.

Thanks!!!
Brian

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

I did this a few years ago, do a search it may help, but I do not recall having the same issue.

Small hands help.

The cap'n · 07-08-2014, 03:12 PM

Patience and an assortment of 8mm tools. A short box end wrench, maybe a 1/4 drive flex head ratchet, short 8mm socket, and maybe a 8mm wobble socket. You have to rotate the alternator to get to all the fasteners.

The Cap'n

brian-80SC · 07-08-2014, 03:17 PM

Thanks for the advice.

I did search and find quite a few threads. I'll have to look again though.

Small hands do help

Also, small, more articulated tools may be what I need.

UPDATE: I got one more nut off. The basic problem is I can rotate the fan housing about 90 degrees Counterclockwise, but I can only go about 10 degrees clockwise due to interference between the air vanes and the orange plastic housing. This makes the last nut very hard to reach.

I'll keep working at it. Thanks again

gazzerr · 07-08-2014, 03:21 PM

Hey Brian, I did this on my '82 by rotating it also (not too much). I also drilled out and replaced the rivets that held the metal fins on my plastic shroud (mine were very loose). Save yourself a lot of frustration by taking the fan assembly to your local Porsche guy and have him press off the old alternator and press on the new one. There's a woodruff key in there that holds the alternator onto the shaft with the fan. A long wand with a magnet and LED light was also a must as you will lose a couple of washers reassembling it. Don't snug the nuts down too tight or you will crack the shroud. Mine was pretty brittle.

brian-80SC · 07-08-2014, 03:28 PM

Thanks for the help everyone! It was good to know I was doing the right thing and just needed to be patient and persistent

. I was finally able to do it -- I just needed to be patient and squeeze my hands and tools in there.

gazzerr, thanks for you suggestions. I can see how replacing the washers and nuts will be tricky. Magnetic tool will definitely be useful.

Now I'm on to removing the wiring.

GregT2000 · 07-08-2014, 04:17 PM

There are only 3 bolts that hold the fiberglass shroud to the housing. The other 3 hold the alternator to the housing. The bolts alternate, so every other nut holds the shroud. Remove the shroud. Then unfasten the 4 wires on the back of the alternator. Jiggle out the alternator, fan and housing as one piece and continue disassembly on the workbench. I just completed this job on my 3.2 carrera.

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Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Regardless of the bolt configuration, this is a taxing job. (it bites the big salami)

Brian - this is a wright of passage. You passed. +1