Installing the Lower Alternator Bolt
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:33 pm
I found a good way to install and remove the lower alternator bolt (had to do mine 4 times during the Gen3 installation).
The first alt installation was a bear, then I realized you have to hook up the wires before you put the alternator in, so I took it out and went through the same problems reinstalling. On the third installation, I remembered I had a four-pronged retrieval tool that I have had for years. The four steel prongs do a great job of grabbing the bolt and you can work the bolt through the hole in steps. My fourth installation took less than one minute to install the bolt.
To install. first grab the bolt down by the threads. Push the bolt in, then grab further back toward the head, grab it and push in further. Take out in reverse.
I found the tool on the MSC Industrial Supply web site. It is the Mayhew - 45046 - Retrieving Tools Type: Pronged Pick-Up Tool Overall Length (Inch): 22-1/2 and cost $22. The link is http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/93813582 .
Believe me, this tool is worth its weight in gold.
Below are some pictures of the tool and how it handled the bolt.
DaveP
The first alt installation was a bear, then I realized you have to hook up the wires before you put the alternator in, so I took it out and went through the same problems reinstalling. On the third installation, I remembered I had a four-pronged retrieval tool that I have had for years. The four steel prongs do a great job of grabbing the bolt and you can work the bolt through the hole in steps. My fourth installation took less than one minute to install the bolt.
To install. first grab the bolt down by the threads. Push the bolt in, then grab further back toward the head, grab it and push in further. Take out in reverse.
I found the tool on the MSC Industrial Supply web site. It is the Mayhew - 45046 - Retrieving Tools Type: Pronged Pick-Up Tool Overall Length (Inch): 22-1/2 and cost $22. The link is http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/93813582 .
Believe me, this tool is worth its weight in gold.
Below are some pictures of the tool and how it handled the bolt.
DaveP