[jonbeatty]

Kind of surprised this one isn't already in a thread. I broke my plastic oil filler tube changing the oil on my 04 C4S. Read all the online info I could find and watched multiple videos on how to do this project. Seemed rather straight forward so, in my typical ignorance, I jumped right in! Lots of comments about removing the alternator as there is this German engineered idea that the alternator should have a pivot shaft bushing that compresses into the block, or mounting bracket. Hummm, not a good idea in my book because, well, things rust and corrode. That said, the instructions are pretty easy, just loosen the bolt closest to the center of the engine and then use a hammer to drive the pivot shaft back enough to allow you to rotate and remove the alternator. Ok, I get it, not rocket science here except for the fact that hammering on that bolt is like a career move. Also, saw a YouTube video where the guy broke the alternator mounting bracket by hammering too hard.
So far I've soaked it in PB Blaster for 2 days. I've taken a hair dryer to warm things up as my experience has been that a good penetrating oil and some heat works wonders. Ok, hair dryer might not be hot enough but I don't want to put a torch in this area of the engine as it is just too close to too many plastic pieces.
Watched a guy who used a pickle fork to pound on, and failed. Ok, I tried my pickle fork, yea, not a good solution.
So, I'm looking for that silver bullet that will get this alternator out. If it involves buying a tool (think heat gun) I'm fine with that but I'm not convinced short of using Propane or MAP gas I can get enough heat to make a difference.
All of the online info says you need patience. Ok, I can understand but geez, hours of using penetrating oil and pounding with a hammer has me thinking, there is a better approach.
All input welcome. Bring it on, please.