Changing an alternator in a pub car park - any tips?

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:32 pm

Next saturday I shall be changing the TZD's alternator in a pub car park 50 miles from home. If anyone can post about how to go about this I shall be very grateful.

Stinkwheel · Post by **Stinkwheel** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:42 pm

I have a silly question.

Why are you doing it in a pub carpark 50 miles from home?

A fully charged battery spare in the boot, drive to where you are getting alternator, if need be change battery then get home and change it.

Maybe?

*edit* ok have seen your other post, makes more sense now. I still say go to car with one or more fully charged spare batteries and drive it home with the least useage of electrical equipment possible. Just gotta be easier than changin it there (especially as you may find you need other tools, its raining etc etc.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:00 pm

I've though about this too. I think the sensible solution would be to arrive with a nicely charged battery or two and take it from there. As the battery in the car will have some charge since resting you can see how far you get with that. Change the battery as necessary. Here's a thought: Take a bottle of Rain-X and a cloth too - and apply a good coating to the windscreen because if it rains you won't want to be using the wipers if it's only light rain and Rain-X is brill (at speeds over 30 in particular where the airflow really helps keep the screen clear).

Finally, I'd suggest planning your route so that it passes as many Halfords/large service stations etc. en route...

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:08 pm

I'd agree. Diesels don't use much power at all when running....only what you have turned in inside.

Changing the unit is easy, but take a pair of drive up ramps with you so you can get to the sliding tensioner bolt easily underneath.

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:08 pm

These are not bad tips, except that the route home is M11 and M25 - not well-supplied with service stations.

Is it really so difficult to change in a car-park? Up on axle stands, all that space around?

O

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:09 pm

Well the other thing is that it could be pissing down when you try to do it.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:22 pm

And it's a gravel car park.

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:25 pm

Why dont you try Ken's suggestion as well about the dicky alternator, as well as a spare battery incase that doesnt work?

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:05 pm

It's not that bad a job unless you aircon.

No need for the ramps, this is a diesel? but I'd defo try hitting it first to give the brushes a jolt. AA approved trick.

Barnsley BXer · Post by **Barnsley BXer** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:08 pm

ken newbold wrote:It's not that bad a job unless you aircon.

No need for the ramps, this is a diesel? but I'd defo try hitting it first to give the brushes a jolt. AA approved trick.

Don't let Tom hear you,he'll go mental."I've been an engineer for

" please wake me up when he's finished ranting

tom · Post by **tom** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:27 pm

Oh, shut up you silly sod.
Oscar, you'll need a10mm socket, a 17 to get the bottom bolt loose and a 13 for the tensioner. disconnect the battery first and get the main supply cable to the alternator off last. Earthlings are waterproof, indeed many still inhabit ponds, so rain is not a problem. The job can be done entirely from the top although the lower bolt may be easier with the plastic shrouds popped off. The alternator can be wiggled out without too much trouble or the need to remove headlamps, skin on knuckles or anything else. It will wiggle back in with a little difficulty, secure the main cable first.

Barnsley BXer · Post by **Barnsley BXer** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:37 pm

tom wrote:Oh, shut up you silly sod.

Never been better put

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 10:11 pm

I think you're in error there Tom

17mm for the bottom bolt. From memory I thought it was some odd size like 21 or summat

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:54 pm

I would burn it, in situ.....rain or not. Then buy a 16v because only BXer's who own 16v's are genuine winners in life.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:08 pm

Kitch wrote:I would burn it, in situ.....rain or not. Then buy a 16v because only BXer's who own 16v's are genuine winners in life.

Yeah, right.

BX is a BX. Why don't you go play boy racers with your 16v buddies and leave us alone you elitist.