1. There's a "gap" between the two "halves" of the part. The old alternator is closed (no gap). Should I tighten the screw to eliminate the gap?

2. Comes with some "extra" nuts, washers, etc. (not easy to photograph in the plastic bag), must they be used on the end shown (opposite the "fan blades"?)

I want to know how to "prepare" the alternator before taking off all the hoses to get to the work area.

TIA

 

as long as the distance between the upper mounting ears matches the unit on the car id leave the long screws alone.

the extra nuts and washers are for the alternator wires...

you'll need an impact wrench (or a friend to hold the belt on the pulley) to swap pulleys between alternator

 

I don't recommend using an impact wrench on the pulley. Saw a race team blow a new alternator that way a while ago at the track.