Replacing the Alternator on a 95 Buick Century?

[PPro]

Anybody have experience with these motors? Its the 3.1 V6.

I've never replaced an alternator before, is it something I can handle? I have a pretty good understanding of working on cars, I've just never done one before.

Any help would be greatly appriciated. Also a place to find a cheap part would be nice too.

Thanks.

 

[Warrlord]

It's not too tough on those. Behind the alt, there is a rod/bracket attached from the alt to one of the upper plenum bolts. There might even be a plastic power steering line retainer over the stud on back of the alt. If so, the nut that holds the plastic piece on is 10mm, once that's removed, the stud size is 13mm. The nut size at the upper plenum is 13mm. The long bolt under the alt should be 13mm with the nut size being 15mm. The upper alt bolt should be 13mm.

Disconnect your battery first though. Also, to gain more room back there, you can remove the upper engine strut bolts from the struts. Use a tie down (pull type or winch type will work) from where one of the strut bolts were removed to the upper radiator support. Pull towards you............this moves the engine towards the front of the vehicle resulting in more room between the alt & firewall.

I might have made it sound a little confusing but it's not at all, sorry

 

[PPro]

How does an alternator mount to the engine? Like I said I've never dealt with one before.

Does it just bolt on/off then maybe hook a few wires up or something? It sounds like something I can do, the guy at the parts shop also told me about pulling the engine forward a bit too, that should help.

Thanks. Any more info would be great.

 

[old mechanic]

Yup! Just bolts on and remove the wires connected to it.

If you believe the guy that said to pull the engine forward then maybe you should have someone else do it for you.

Or is this a JOKE? LOL!

 

[PPro]

Huh? I had two guys at the auto parts store say that, and then Warrlord on here mentioned it as well. Are you saying it isnt possible to use a ratchet strap to budge the engine forward a bit to have more room to work?

 

[old mechanic]

OOPS! My bad! I was talking about a V-8 engine like my Buick thats why I thought it was a joke.
Thats what I get for typing at 2:00AM in the middle of the night but thats mostly the time I go on the computer, when its nice and quiet around here.

 

[Warrlord]

How does an alternator mount to the engine? Like I said I've never dealt with one before.

Does it just bolt on/off then maybe hook a few wires up or something? It sounds like something I can do, the guy at the parts shop also told me about pulling the engine forward a bit too, that should help.

Thanks. Any more info would be great.

It's just a matter of how it is bolted to the engine. A visual inspection IS necessary. Once you look it over, you should be able to tell where the bolts & wires are. If it's not too clear after that, maybe you can get a buddy to help you out. And yes..............you can use a ratchet strap to pull the engine forward. It'll move it about 4-5 inches forward.

 

[PPro]

Cool, thanks guys. I'll be heading to the parts store soon.

Any ideas on where to buy a new alternator online cheap?

Thanks.