Zirconocene

Hi all-

I'm in need again of some basic advice, to make sure I don't break my car in a really bad way.

On reinstalling my alternator after motor mount replacement, the support bolt will no longer clear the ribs of the fan shroud for installation. From what I've read, this is pretty normal; I just didn't expect it, though it makes perfect sense in retrospect. Anyway, it seems like if I raise the fan shroud a bit I should be able to proceed. However! I have also read that I need to be careful with some of the cooling lines, especially as this car is an automatic.

What's the consensus? Can I raise the shroud an inch to get the alternator bolt back in, or is there other disassembly that needs to happen to avoid some heartache?

Thanks

Speedtoys

Ive always been able to wiggle/force it around the ribs to get it to go in..its like..1/8" too long, but..you wont hurt anything if you move the shroud around either.

928Myles

I have been able to remove the fan shroud completely without the need to undo anything other than the P/S pump reservoir and the shroud itself.
1990 Auto (RHD)

Myles

Speedtoys

Was it "modified"on the left side to rotate around the cooler fittings?

928Myles

No. I do not have any lines here as a 1990 has the lower external oil cooler.

Speedtoys

Ah ok...thats right.

My 87, I just 'modified' the bottom corner on the left side, so that it rates out super easy if I need to.

But still, Ive never had to fight this Alt. bolt really, ive got in in and out still.

Zirconocene

I thought I was pretty slick with the alternator bolt, too, prior to this. I went with non-OEM motor mounts and I'm sure part of the issue is that the engine is overall just higher enough than when everything was new to cause issues. The interdependence and packaging in these cars is something else. Another example was getting the lines hooked back up to the power steering pump, and then bolted down with that little clip up on the inside of the fender. Everything has to line up just right and be sort of loose, or assembly just sucks.

Cheers

Petza914

Can you just install a shorter bolt?

Zirconocene

@Petza914 : Maybe, but not short enough to feel good about the thread engagement, and probably not enough to make a difference. I'm waiting on some other parts that I forgot to order but once I get them I'll get back in there and take some pictures.

The forces on that bolt probably mean that there's not a huge chance of it backing out with a little less thread engagement; I think that the tensioner will hold the shaft of the bolt pretty tightly against the mounting hole on final assembly. I'd hate to be defeated by this bolt, though! And I'd never forgive myself for this particular shortcut.

Cheers

Speedtoys

5mm increment might be too short..if I HAD TO, maybe grind of 2mm.