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Yes, it can be done. Usually. Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:48:01
In Reply to: Re: Alternator v Voltage regulator replacement, Paul Carroll, Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:32:22 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
There are several approaches to replacing the VR with the alternator in the car. There is a caveat, though - there are just two screws (usually phillips head), and if they are stuck, you'll have to pull the alternator. None of these methods give you much leverage.
Three approaches - from the top, from the side, from the bottom.
First - disconnect the ground wire to the battery. Otherwise the results will be momentarily pretty and long term ugly.
From the top may not work as well in a '94 because the intake manifold is different from the earlier cars. But it's worth a try. Pull out the dipstick. There is a little tab on the dipstick holder that will pull up, and you can move the dipstick tube to the side. I recommend tying it with twine. Put the dipstick back in to keep crap out of the oil system.
If you have skinny arms, this can work. You're going to reach down between the intake manifold and the false firewall and touch the back of the alternator. I think in the past I've also removed the 'dogbone' upper engine mount - two bolts. Don't worry - the engine won't fall over. Moving and removing this stuff only takes a few minutes. Next, I take a plastic garbage bag and cut a hole in the bottom big enough to fit my hand through. I put on a rubber glove and stick my hand through, and tape at the wrist with duct tape. I now have plastic from fingertip to shoulder, and look quite dashing. Why all this? First, because it is greasy. Second, because the plastic will make it easier for your arm to slide around in tight spaces.
Reach in the back with a stubby screwdriver, and undo the two screws. Since you already have a new VR, you can look at it and 'feel' the old one and the screw location. Take out the screws one at a time. On the last screw, the VR will want to pop out. Take it out, noting which way it faces, and that it actually 'levers' into place. Put the new one it - you put the brushes in first, and then rotate the part into place. Put in the screws, reconnect the battery, put the dogbone and oil filler back in place, and you're done. It will take a lot of stretching.
From the bottom - jack up and support the car, and come up from below through a hole in the underpan. I've not done it this way, but it is possible.
From the side. Jack up and support the right front of the car. Remove the right front tire. You *might* be able to reach through the hole in the fender inner-liner (where the axle comes through) and up and behind the alternator. I recommend removing the fender inner-liner. It is in two pieces, and has a bunch of bolts. It's not really that hard to take in or out, and the 15 minutes WILL make your life easier. There are other postings with instructions. Just remember that there are always two more bolts holding it in than you find - if you have any trouble getting it out, look for more bolts.
With the inner liner out, you can reach up behind the alternator and reach the VR. And if you run into trouble, you're half-way to removing the alternator.
posted by 192.249....
, Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:18:25, Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:48:01 <-- Viewing This Message
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