Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:51:20 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: 84 Westy alternator mount studs breaking
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
reply-type=original
hi,
the studs in the block, right ?
the two that the black metal alternator mounting bracket fit over ?
If I had those breaking off over and over I'd try a different alternator or
different pulley at least, or something to do with alternator drive, not
just the alt. bracket and studs and bolts.
but I also wonder about the holes in the block where the studs go.
If those have been drilled out a few times.........or whatever .....
it could be that the studs themselves are good, and the workmanship is good,
but not enough block left to support keeping studs in there.
it's the kind of thing where as long as nothing is loose or moving at all,
it'll keep together just fine.
but the least about of movement or looseness in the mounting will only get
worse, like it keeps working a little bit a time on those studs .
For sure checking how tight things are after say 5,000 miles would not be a
bad idea, or every 5,000 miles say.
It is unfortunate that that water pipe going to the water pump is right in
the way of where you want to access the nuts on the studs.
I have all kinds of special tools. Been working on cars 40 + years......
so I have every odd swivel socket there is, every funny weird or custom made
wrench ...
and really ......if you don't move that pipe out of the way, you can only
get the nuts about say 96 % 'perfectly tight and secure' .......
nothing quite like you could with a straight socket and that pipe out of the
way.
Perhaps that is a factor.
It's a common weak link on all vanagons. I find alternators flopping around
loose on them from time to time.
I don't observe that people ever get their vehicles actually 'serviced'
much anymore,
like a couple times a year, go over whatever needs to be inspected, checked,
adjusted, fluid changed etc....
but.....checking that the alternator mounting bolts on vanagon alternators
are good and tight, is a regular part of a real Vanagon Service
Visit.......by any shop that really knows vanagons and cares.
It's a chronic issue, but a non-issue really, if you check it on a regular
basis.
I hope you get yours fixed really well this time.
See about that 'water pipe in the way factor' perhaps .......it can be very
tricky to tighten those nuts really correctly with that pipe in the way.
Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Josie Lamb Williams" <mayapplecreations@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 8:55 AM
Subject: 84 Westy alternator mount studs breaking
New to list, 1st post. My 84 Westy with original 1900 engine keeps breaking
it's alternator mounting bracket studs. 3 times now. Last time, while
traveling, I had factory VW studs installed by very reputable shop and
mechanic Harold at Gene’s Foreign Car Service and Parts Broomall,
Pennsylvania. I trust he did it right yet, they are now broken again?? I
have run many miles now with alternator held by adjustment arm only and very
rattley. Getting ready to put new studs on again (today hopefully) myself.
I have purchaced some 8mm studs from auto parts store that are rated to be
very strong (sorry dont remember specs) ANY SUGGESTIONS for how to avoid
this reoccuring problem??
THANKS!
Mark Williams
Lexington, KY
--
Mayapple Creations
Unique Earth-Friendly Jewelry by Josie Lamb Williams
phone: (859) 373-1315
fax: (888) 317-6368
www.mayapplecreations.com
