anyone close to Dunfermline want to help swap an alternator

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:33 pm

Hi all,

My apologies if this comes over as a bit cheeky...but are there any experienced Elise S1 experts out there, (I know there are lots lol), who might be kind enough to help a fellow Scottish Elises member out with changing the alternator on my auld s1...pleeeease...?

Beer and or Coffee will be well supplied as will my gratitude...I am desperate to get back out in the Elise, cheers guys

Pete

r10crw · Post by **r10crw** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:53 pm

I'm a bit far but it's really not that bad. Someone will be along im sure but plenty access from the wheel arch.
Craig.

r10crw · Post by **r10crw** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:54 pm

Oh and it's not cheeky at all

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:03 pm

Cheers Craig, I've almost got the alternator out, top bolt was a total pain (bottom bolt no prbs n the belt tensioner bolt was ok but it was like a quarter turn for about 30 mins ha ha

( and I reckon I might have to try and get access from the top to get it back in but the manifold is right in the way lol

The nut at the back of the alternator for the electric pack seems impossible from the wheel arch or underneath, reckon it's thro the top aswell...I'll be back on it tomorrow tho...

Pete

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 1:01 am

Pete, I'm local and might be able to nip over. Would ratchet spanners help?

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Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:29 pm

Hi Peter, that's cool I'll PM my address

hiscot · Post by **hiscot** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:13 pm

pete it wont go in via the top check battery is disconnected turn the alt in its space so you have access to disconnect the wires , you want the wires / nuts facing up use a small t bar and scocket then it will wrangle through the wheel arch past the engine mount , there is a knack to it, however it does fit through

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:07 pm

Thanks all,

I have the alternator loose now and I am suitably cut to bits; my knuckles are black n blue...now I know why no-one likes this job ha ha

I have been turning the alternator round trying to get it out for about 10 mins now lol

this is a total pain...I suspect there is some knack to this but will presevere until it's out...Mmmm, wonder if it's easier going back in...Sooo keen to get out in the car in the sun, pah

Cheers,
Pete

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:40 pm

Hi all,

Ok, another 10 mins & the alternator is still not out...I suspect the alloy water pipe running from the cyclinder head round and down to the water line needs to be disconnected to allow removal..? Any help\advice much appreciated

Cheers,
Pete

Daveb · Post by **Daveb** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:30 pm

Im only 5 mins away.

Never changed a elise alternator before but could take a look if you like.

hiscot · Post by **hiscot** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:06 pm

Pedro wrote:Hi all,

Ok, another 10 mins & the alternator is still not out...I suspect the alloy water pipe running from the cyclinder head round and down to the water line needs to be disconnected to allow removal..? Any help\advice much appreciated

Cheers,
Pete

you may be right its been a long time since I swopped to the lower coolant rail ( you must have a very early car )
in that case remove the engine mount and sump mount whilst on a trolly jack then pull the engine back enough for clearance ( you may get the required clearance just removing the sump mount and tipping the engine )
I would rather do that than drain water !

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:38 pm

Thanks all,

Reckon I'll try disconnecting the coolant rail at the bottom end so it can be moved out the way...might get that fuc**ng alternator out yet ha ha

Is it a real hassle to replace the water loss..? I am not sure about removing engine mounts n that Hiscot, altho I am fairly sure it would do the job

Thanks Dave B, much appreciated...I'll have another stab at it 2mrw..failing that I'll be calling everyone possible for a hand lol

Cheers,
Pete

Mikie711 · Post by **Mikie711** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:44 am

Taking out 1 bolt to free the engine is preferable to drain and having to refill with water. The Elise can be a real pain if you air lock it. The engine mount is the way ahead, take out the bolt nearest the engine then loosen the back bolt. Swing the mount down out of the way and you should get plenty movement in the engine to get the alternator out.

Welcome to the joys of Elise ownership

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 2:05 pm

Hi all,

Thanks all for the tips...I removed the top alternator fixing off the engine block and managed to get the alternator past the brackets, (I couldn't before), and it is now sticking against the coolant rail...I think I have to move the rail to get the alternator out...I just hope I can get the coolant back to normal afterwards, gulp lol

As always any help & advice welcome guys..? Thanks

Cheers,
Pete

Stu160 · Post by **Stu160** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 2:35 pm

it will fit through the gap and out the wheel arch, where the engine mount is, thats the way I do it.

Stu

Scottish Elises