How do you install an alternator in a 1985 Toronado?

Answer 1

My initial response to this would be, no disrespect meant, if you cannot figure this one out, then perhaps you should go to a certified mechanic. If you want to learn, do it this way. ( I'm assuming that the alt light has come on and you know that the alternator needs to be replaced, not a battery failure or loose alternator belt ).

First and foremost, make sure you have the battery disconnected. Check the Web if your not sure how this should be done. Loosen the nut on the back of the bolt at the top of the alternator that goes through the bracket. Loosen the nut on the bolt at the lower right hand side of the alternator bracket. If you have cruise, then you have to loosen and maybe remove the bolt that holds the servo unit ( black plastic funny looking thing mounted on the left side ).

You now have to back off the tensioner bolt. This is the long bolt that is located on the bottom right side of the alternator. This is what is used to tighten or loosen the alternator belt. Now that you have all these bolts loosened, jiggle that alternator.

It should move and if it does then you are on your way. Now remove all of those nuts from those various bolts. Start at the bottom and remove the bolts leaving the top one last as this one holds the alternator in place. If you have backed off the tensioner bolt enough, you should be able to move the alternator up or down, so that you can take the belt off of the alt pulley. The alternator should be loose and free at this point. Put one hand under it, so it doesn't drop on the ground, and remove the bolt holding it.

You should now have an alternator in your hand, a bunch of bolts and nuts, and a loose alt belt sort of hanging there. If so, You have succeded. Now... do the reverse to put the new alternator in place. I hope you noted how you did this as you did it.

If all has gone well, then this is the perfect time to replace all the belts, since you're in there anyway. You will have to release tension on the Power Steering pump and air pump to get those belts off. To do this look at how these units are attached. They don't have to be taken off, only let free so you can remove the belts.

When you put on new belts, they don't have to be rigid tight. You should be able to push down on each belt, with your finger, maybe a sixteenth of an inch or so.

This also applies to the alt belt. You don't want it rigid tight. This is why the adjuster bolt is there. After everthing is in place start to tighten that bolt.

If you are confident that everything is in place and secure, reconnect the battery.

Start the car.

After a couple of weeks, check the tension on the belts as they will stretch somewhat after initial installation. If need be retighten where needed.

Disclaimer... I am not a mechanic. I own an 84 Toro with a 307 and have been driving it for 15 years. I've seen it all.