how to get bolt out from civic alternator?

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Rocky - 09 Jul 2005 21:31 GMT

I have been using pb blaster, but the bolt will not slide out from the lower
mounting of the alternator - 94 civic lx. I can't even move the alt by
hand, so I have been using a prybar and large sledge hammer - then it moves,
but won't free up enough to release the through bolt.

I guess Honda didn't expect the car to be driven in snow and salty roads
when they decided to put the alternator low and next to the front tire when
it will get splashed. It also would have made more sense to use a
serpentine belt instead of 3 separate belts for the accessories.

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Professor - 09 Jul 2005 23:09 GMT

Use a penetrating oil and apply heat carefully to the area. This should
break the bond. Be patient... and repeat the process until you get it.

Professor
Check out FlashAlert at www.telstar-electronics.com

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Rocky - 09 Jul 2005 23:46 GMT

Would a propane torch get hot enough?

> Use a penetrating oil and apply heat carefully to the area. This should
> break the bond. Be patient... and repeat the process until you get it.
>
> Professor
> Check out FlashAlert at www.telstar-electronics.com

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Rocky - 10 Jul 2005 23:00 GMT

update:
I bought a 4' long hose/propane torch fitting kit and have heated up the
bolt til it starts to glow and the alternator starts smoking from the
windings buring - that lower bolt still will not loosten.

I am howerver able to freely flop the alternator back ond forth in it's
pivot - the rust have disolved in that arena.

I tried to grind off the aluminum part of the alternator to shear it off the
bolt, but there is not enough room to work plus my grinder uses up the air
before the compressor can put it back in the tank.

I did remove one bolt from the bracket where it mounts to the block, but the
through bolt blocks the removal of the second bolt - a disappointing design
by honda engineering.

any other ideas?

>I have been using pb blaster, but the bolt will not slide out from the
>lower mounting of the alternator - 94 civic lx. I can't even move the alt
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> when it will get splashed. It also would have made more sense to use a
> serpentine belt instead of 3 separate belts for the accessories.

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SoCalMike - 10 Jul 2005 23:47 GMT

> any other ideas?

electric angle grinder, or sawzall? harbor freight sells cheap versions

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Rocky - 11 Jul 2005 02:31 GMT

sawzall - excellent idea - I'll have to get a metal cutting blade.

I test drove the car tonight - battery has a full charge - car ran good, but
I am concerned about white steam from exhaust - I'll have garage do a
compression test this week.

>> any other ideas?
>
> electric angle grinder, or sawzall? harbor freight sells cheap versions

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Rocky - 17 Jul 2005 02:33 GMT

I ran out of time to work on this and I asked the gas station torch off the
bracket. I had bought a replacement brack at the local Honda dealer -
$37.00 and they got it withing 24hrs. I had them order a new bolt and nut
too.

> sawzall - excellent idea - I'll have to get a metal cutting blade.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>
>> electric angle grinder, or sawzall? harbor freight sells cheap versions

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Abeness - 17 Jul 2005 03:00 GMT

> I ran out of time to work on this and I asked the gas station torch off the
> bracket. I had bought a replacement brack at the local Honda dealer -
> $37.00 and they got it withing 24hrs. I had them order a new bolt and nut
> too.

Sometimes you just gotta cut to the chase. Banging my head against a
stubborn bolt is not on my short list of things to spend my time on!

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