Help!! Problem getting the alternator out of a '71 F350

[LuvMyScamper]

Hi folks:

I hope someone has a suggestion on getting the old alternator out. We're replacing the alternator and changing all the belts in our truck (360 engine) and it seemed pretty straightforward until we got to that bottom bolt. The top one (adjuster) backed off no problem, but the lower bolt that goes into a metal plate and then into the block itself was very hard to back off - we had to use a breaker bar. It threaded out just shy of an inch (cleared the block), but then wouldn't come any further. It has to clear that metal plate to get the alternator off, but just spins and we can't budge it any further. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get this out?

Thanks in advance,
Cindy

[forrestbump]

Cindy, Coat the entire area that houses the bolt with BP Plaster than let it sit for an hour or two. You'll probably also have to clamp vice grips on the bolt head and wiggle it out. If you're NOT familiar with PB Blaster, most auto parts stores carry it. It's great for loosening rusted parts.

Place a sheet of cardboard on the radiator where the bolt would land if it were to shoot out of the alternator to protect the radiator from damage.

When reassembling, smear anti-seize on the length of the bolt so it won't attach itself to the alternator in the future.

[LuvMyScamper]

Cindy, Coat the entire area that houses the bolt with BP Plaster than let it sit for an hour or two. You'll probably also have to clamp vice grips on the bolt head and wiggle it out. If you're NOT familiar with PB Blaster, most auto parts stores carry it. It's great for loosening rusted parts.

Place a sheet of cardboard on the radiator where the bolt would land if it were to shoot out of the alternator to protect the radiator from damage.

When reassembling, smear anti-seize on the length of the bolt so it won't attach itself to the alternator in the future.

Thanks Larry! We'll give that a try tomorrow. We'll have to go to the next town tomorrow and see if we can get some of that PB Blaster. We have Deep Creep - is that similar? Thanks for the tips, especially the one about the radiator. I'll post back up tomorrow and let you know how we made out.

Cindy

[forrestbump]

We have Deep Creep - is that similar?

That'll work just fine. What happens is the iron bolt attaches itself to the alternator which is aluminum. Dissimilar metals will often do that.

Any lubricant, such as WD-40, Deep Creep, Etc, will work, but I've had the best luck with PB Blaster.

[LuvMyScamper]

We have Deep Creep - is that similar?

That'll work just fine. What happens is the iron bolt attaches itself to the alternator which is aluminum. Dissimilar metals will often do that.

Any lubricant, such as WD-40, Deep Creep, Etc, will work, but I've had the best luck with PB Blaster.

Cool. We already put some Deep Creep on it but maybe we'll soak it some more and let it sit overnight. Fingers crossed!

Cindy

[ezernut9mm]

you're doing better than me. i can loosen the bolt in the head, but the bolt shaft is seized to the alt. i have been soaking it off and of since i have owned the truck (about 5 months) and it still won't break free.

[fordman]

after the deep creep. turn the bolt back and forth to help free it up. chris if you break the alt or bolt i have extras of both. also do you know if pick and pull has any parts trucks?

[LuvMyScamper]

after the deep creep. turn the bolt back and forth to help free it up. chris if you break the alt or bolt i have extras of both. also do you know if pick and pull has any parts trucks?

Thanks. Do you know what size this bolt is if we have to end up replacing it?

[LuvMyScamper]

Well here's an update. We got that cursed alternator bolt out by using Deep Creep, a C-Clamp and another bolt. But what a PIA it was - took hours. . We cleaned it up and covered it in anti-seize for the new alternator. Got the wiring all put back on, changed the starter cable and the neg. battery cable, got the new belts all put on, then tried a test start. She growled at first but then fired up. We took her for a run up the highway a few miles and back, shut her off, and tried to restart. It grinded and groaned and wouldn't turn over so we think the starter is toast. But the good news is that we have a working alternator and the battery is staying charged! We let it sit for a couple of hours and then tried starting it again...grind grumble grumble from the starter, but then all of a sudden it turned over. I guess we'll order a new starter on Monday. Does the starter on these trucks just have two bolts on it? I think my Jeep only had two and it was a pretty easy job.

Cheers!
Cindy

[randymartinjr]

if its a 360 it has 3 bolts

[LuvMyScamper]

if its a 360 it has 3 bolts

Thanks!

[randymartinjr]

yup i got a 352 and its almost exactly the same

[LuvMyScamper]

yup i got a 352 and its almost exactly the same

I've read that the top bolt is a bugger to get at. Do you have any suggestions? I'm guessing a fairly long extension might be needed?

[randymartinjr]

yea long extension and alot of patiants if you could get a 2nd person to hold it up for you makes it alot easier

[LuvMyScamper]

yea long extension and alot of patiants if you could get a 2nd person to hold it up for you makes it alot easier

Yeah Jeff will mainly be doing it, I will just be assisting and running and picking up tools after he throws them in frustration.