996 alternator removal- verbosity warning

[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.

[jonbeatty]

So, I didn't get a response but, on the outside chance someone else faces this problem I did find a solution that worked for me. Use a butane mini-torch to heat up the rear alternator bracket. Gave me just enough clearance to get the alternator out.
YMMV

[flmont]

I had to do the same thing with my boxster..I did use anti seize paste when I re-assembled the alt bracket..Frank

[De Jeeper]

U had the same issue must have pulling the alt for the first time. The oil fill tubes get brittle and break and usually the small plastic coolant fitting snaps just under the alt.

[JTT]

Yup. PIA job. One of the first projects I did on my car several years ago, as alternator was whining. Took hours of levering, prying and swearing, but it finally came loose.