ok, so the 105 amp alternator is toast- can someone tell me how to go about removing it. not familiar with the method of releasing the tensioner. do you loosen the alternator first and then how do you release tensioner pressure to remove the belt? i am going to replace the belt also while it's off. and i am seeing reviews of the powermaster 140 amp that are not so good cause it doesn't come properly indexed. i don't want to spend that kinda$$ only to have to take it apart and spin the case.

other easy bolt solutions for a higher amp alt??

thanks!!

 

Indexing alternators is common since most GM vehicles use the same few alkternator cases with various configurations. Just remove four bolts loosen the front case half and turn it to line up where you need it. You must release tension on the belt to remove it and before servicing any accessory. The tensioner either accepts a 3/8 square drive or either a 15 or 16 mm hex wrench.

 

last time i indexed one was in the late eighties- and if memory serves you had to be careful about keeping the brushes in place. it wasn't as easy as just taking the bolts out and spinning the case. maybe these cases are made differently and none of the internals move when you seperate the case halves..... not sure

 

You can not rotate the rear half of the case. It's attached to the stator and has conneotrs passing through it. You must loosen the front half. I use my big bertha Snap On MG700 Impact to pop the nut off to remove the pulley and fan. Then remove the four case bolts, spin the nut back on the shaft to protect the threads, and use a soft hammer to drive the shaft end in through its opening in the front case and disconnect the two case halves. Then spin the case to where you want it and reassemble. I know, it's not as simple as I first said it was, but I have to do it all the time.

 

What year car are we dealing with? Is it serpentine belt or V belt?

Serp belt requires a different alternator than the V-belt cars - they are not interchangeable (they cannot be re-indexed). So you have to get the right alternator.

If it's a serp car, simply insert a 1/2" drive rachet in the tensioner, and pull - the tensioner moves and releases belt.

On V belt cars, the alternator gets unbolted at ALL mounting points, and then the alternator rotates on one mounting bolt to release belt.

 

1991

serpentine- hence the question about the "tensioner".

 

Just need a 3/8 square drive..stick it in and rotate the tensioner counter clockwise to loosen up the belt.. Whatever you do DO NOT unbolt the tensioner while the belt is tensioned (As I'm sure you know).. When I was a newbie to cars 5 years ago I did this and scared the brown out of me.. Boy did I not know anything just a couple years ago.. TGO has taught me a lot..as well as experience doing the work..

I bought a 160A MSD APS Alternator..very very expensive but universally compatible with any make/model car.. Just buy the right install kit and your good to go with any APS alternator.. But these are very very expensive.. I hope this never goes on me..lol.. Hope all goes well.. I also believe Summit has some 140A that are nice and inexpensive.. I know they make them for a V-Belt setup..as my brother has one but unsure about the serpentine setup..