best way to change a alternator

dubman1972 · 04-04-2007, 03:51 PM

looks like the alternator is knackered on the bay
any tips to make the job easier
going to knick the one off the beetle on sat
any tips are grateful

rapidresto · 04-04-2007, 04:11 PM

Make sure that they are the same, some come with internal regulators others external. if the connections on the top are the same then your ok.

you'll need to remove the fanhousing to get the altenator out, should be able to lift it enough in the van to remove it, but the bug may be a different story.

dubman1972 · 04-04-2007, 04:15 PM

yeah they are both external hoping to just swap the lot if that is possible

rapidresto · 04-04-2007, 05:17 PM

if they are the same you'll have to remove the alternator from the stand with the fan, but lift the fanhousing so you can clear everything to get the fan out. dont forget to disconnect the thermostat bellows if you still have one.

dubman1972 · 04-04-2007, 06:50 PM

thermostat bellows were the f**k are they then

Dougie · 04-04-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubman1972

thermostat bellows were the f**k are they then

As you look at the engine from behind, on the right side between the lowest tinware and the push rod tubes. A round thing about an inch and a half in diameter with a flat top and bottom. You will see coming out the top of it a metal rod that connects with the fanhousing.
If you need to remove it, undo the bracket and it will simply un-screw leaving the rod to pull out from between the cylinders when the fan housing is moved

Dougie · 04-04-2007, 08:02 PM

There is a lot to get in the way of the fan and you may have to pull the fanhousing out completely. I've always found it easier to take the deck lid off and swivel the hinge mountings outwards to allow you to pull it straight up, rather than drop the engine out...

66split · 04-04-2007, 08:25 PM

not sure about the bug, but i did it my bus a few months ago, from what i remember,
1, disconnect the battery, and remove the wires from the alt
2, remove the fan belt and the strap holding the alt to the stand
3, remove the 4 10mm bolts from the backing plate of the alt
4, remove the 2 side bolts of the fan housing at the bottom(1 either side)
the fan housing and the alt should be able to move up an inch or 2
5, remove the 4 bolts holding the alt stand to the engine
6, you should be able to lift the alt up enough to remove the alt stand, then remove the alt itself.

to put back just do this in reverse, and don't blame me if it goes wrong

good luck.

rapidresto · 04-04-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66split

not sure about the bug, but i did it my bus a few months ago, from what i remember,
1, disconnect the battery, and remove the wires from the alt
2, remove the fan belt and the strap holding the alt to the stand
3, remove the 4 10mm bolts from the backing plate of the alt
4, remove the 2 side bolts of the fan housing at the bottom(1 either side)
the fan housing and the alt should be able to move up an inch or 2
5, remove the 4 bolts holding the alt stand to the engine
6, you should be able to lift the alt up enough to remove the alt stand, then remove the alt itself.

to put back just do this in reverse, and don't blame me if it goes wrong

good luck.

thats pretty much it but if your running a stock single carb you'll either have to remove the inlet manifold or lif the fanhouse higher, fine in the bus, but tricker in the bug.

my preference for a bug would be to drop the engine everytime. (but then it supposed how used to whipping engines in and out you are!)

dubman1972 · 04-04-2007, 11:03 PM

never whipped a aircooled engine out before!!! but i started on the van ready for saturday managed to get the alternator out without too much hassle

o.k then i forgot to take the bolts out the fanhousing
for ten minutes had a peek at the haynes manaul then took them out and got some movement to get the alternator out

when i can get my hands on her beetle

just hope it goes as smooth then i might just get to weston park on sunday