My night just ended

[Marc87GN]

I installed the translator and everything looks perfect. I was finishing the install of the Hot wire kit at the alternator and ran into a problem. While I was loosening the nut holding down the battery line, the entire shaft turned and the insulation was flaking off. Fear of putting the bolt backin without any insulation and it grounding to the alternator, I backed the bolt all the way out. Only to hear what sounded like a nut dropping inside.

I forget sometimes that these cars are getting old and things will fall apart without proper care. Anyway, I guess I either have to disassemble the alternator or get a new one. MU%#$ FU^#%#. It seems like I will never get this car back on the road .

 

[WakkoSS]

Easy fix! Split the alternator apart, reattach the nut to the stud, and reassemble. You can replace the bearings and brushes while you're in there if you like for cheap. Suggestion: Push the brushes back into the channels and hold them there with paper clips (there should be tiny holes just for that purpose there already). Hard to describe, but you should see what I mean when you get it apart.

 

[Marc87GN]

Originally posted by WakkoSS
Easy fix! Split the alternator apart, reattach the nut to the stud, and reassemble. You can replace the bearings and brushes while you're in there if you like for cheap. Suggestion: Push the brushes back into the channels and hold them there with paper clips (there should be tiny holes just for that purpose there already). Hard to describe, but you should see what I mean when you get it apart.

I appreciate the help. What about the broken insulator?

 

[WakkoSS]

You mean the plastic insulator between the casing and the stud? Not sure if you can buy one of those so you got two options. One, find an old alternator somewhere (in the middle of the junkyard works!) and take one off there. Option two, make something. Use a piece of rubber hose, cut carefully of course....anything like that.

Guess you could take the alternator to a local electrical shop too for repair, but when you see how easy it is, you'll wish you'd saved the dough.

 

[Marc87GN]

I really appreciate the help. I see Autozone has the bearings, brushes & repair kit at the store near my house. I will go tomorrow morning. I wonder if the alternator repair kit has an insulator. If not, Iwill find a rubber hose that fits and cut it & move on. Thanks again.

Marc

 

[83ttypecooled]

B+ Alternator terminal

Hi!
Don't , repeat Dont replace the B+ terminal insulator with a piece of vacuum hose! Find an AC Delco distributor, or a good alternator shop, or something! Do it right, or face the consequences at some time or other. The correct stuff is available, check it out!
Dale

 

[77tech9]

heat = spark + injectors = fire = bad

 

[WakkoSS]

Vacuum hose is light, but fuel or tranny line should hold, wouldn't you think? Obviously the right way is the right part, but I would think the threaded hose would handle the heat.

 

[Marc87GN]

Originally posted by WakkoSS
Vacuum hose is light, but fuel or tranny line should hold, wouldn't you think? Obviously the right way is the right part, but I would think the threaded hose would handle the heat.

WakkoSS,

I appreciate all of your help. I have the alternator taken apart on the kitchen table and so far I have spent a total of 20 minutes between getting out and apart. I'm actually going to Autozone and few other places until I find the repair kit. I have seen a few online and they come with a new insulator, bearings, brushes and other parts. Worse case, I will just order the kit online. Great tip by the way with the paperclip threw the holes to hold the brushes and springs in.

Marc

 

[ThikStik]

Id put a set of diodes (diode trio) in. They are less that $10.00 and are often why alternator goes bad. The regulator might as well be rep too. Use an ac delco reg. And finish sand your slip rings. Those a re the copper sleeves that brushes contact.
These are the last of the easy alternators to fool with. Newer ones have to have stuff soldered in.