Bongo Fury

Hi - I need to replace my alternator. Anyway, I've removed the connections, and the long bolt at the bottom and the adjusting bolt at the top. I can't seem to remove the belts, as I can't seem to generate enough 'slack' . Any advice ?

I guess once the belts are off, the alternator simply lifts out ?

Many thanks

If you have loosened all the bolts the alternator should swing into the engine to give slack...you will need to remove the aircon belt to get them off.

Give it a gentle tap with a rubber mallet & it should move enough to get the belts off. Refitting is fairly simple, but a drop of oil on the steel spacers on the long bolt will help it slide into place.

Thanks Simon - I'll try that

Funny but I bashed mine with a rubber mallet when it packed up jsut in case the bushes had stuck, lol, an old trick used to work but didnt this time, still at £115.oo for a new one, not so bad.

I had to call the RAC out once when my alternator packed up on a citroen I had. The RAC bloke got out an 18" length of steel tubing (his extension bar?), put it on top of my alternator and smacked it with a hammer. Bingo... it immediately started charging again. He reckoned that because alternators are open to the elements, salt and crap from the roads (particularly at this time of year), get into them, cake on hard and stop them from working - but often he found that a good smack dislodged said crap and everything worked again. It certainly did for me - never had a problem with it after that (the suspension and gearbox on the other hand.....)

Go one, give it a good swedgin'..... what have you got to lose!!

Nothing to do with an alternator, but a chap had trouble with an engine spluttering, on enquiring to the mechanic, who said "shit in the carburettor". The chap said, "Will that help?"

Just to round off this thread .... it did need a new alternator in the end, and I took advice, buying one off ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FORD- ... 240%3A1318
Its not Hitachi, but a pattern. £110 +£15 postage. Service was excellent and fast delivery (next day) I fitted it in 15 minutes max, and the job's a good 'un, as they say

Just noticed its now £120

Just to round off this thread .... it did need a new alternator in the end, and I took advice, buying one off ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FORD- ... 240%3A1318
Its not Hitachi, but a pattern. £110 +£15 postage. Service was excellent and fast delivery (next day) I fitted it in 15 minutes max, and the job's a good 'un, as they say

I have been using this company for many years (local to me) and they have always been very knowledgeable and competitive. I have walked in there with an alternator in my hand and before I can say anything the chap behind the counter has recognised the vehicle it was from. Once, they built a suitable alternator for me from various bits as they did not hold the replacement in stock and I needed one there and then. They get my vote

Tony

I take it, it is the one I used then, The Starter motor and alternator company from Plymouth, very helpful and I got it for £110.00, lol. Lucky me.