Alternator removal question: I am replacing the.

Tiny
CLYDEANDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK CENTURY
  • 235 MILES
Alternator removal question: I am replacing the alternator in a 1999 Buick Century. I have unplugged the electrical connections, and removed the bolts except one. The bolt I cannot remove is threaded through the front part of the alternator. It is attached to a bracket that is bolted to the engine block (I have removed the bracket nut and bolt). The bolt permits the alternator to move up and down. When I unscrewed the bolt it cannot be pulled out because the the head of the bolt (at it's extended length) butts against the plastic radiator overfill tank. There is no room to remove the bolt. Thus, I cannot remove the alternator until that bolt is removed. Do you have a suggestions to solve this problem?
Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 8:58 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
It sounds like you need to remove the radiator overflow bottle.
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Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
CLYDEANDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much for the quick response.
I was afraid of that. Yes, that will work. Unfortunately, I do not have the proper tools to remove the radiator overflow bottle. What's up with this design?
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Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
CLYDEANDERSON
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  • 5 POSTS
Do know what tools and parts I would need to remove and re-install the radiator overflow bottle?
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Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
There shouldn't be a special tool. It should be bolted to the inner fender and it should slide out.
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Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
CLYDEANDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
OK. I'll check it out.

Thank you so much.
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Monday, February 4th, 2013 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Let me know how you make out.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 AT 1:57 AM
Tiny
CLYDEANDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It all worked out. I needed to look closer at the inner fender bolts.
Thank you so much for your help.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'm glad I was able to help. Let us know if you have questions in the future.
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+1
Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 AT 1:49 AM

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