[Madeline Michele]

Has anyone replaced an alternator on an 82ZX by unplugging and unbolting then let it down without jacking up the car. I never did this and the book says to jack it up and brace it. I think I can change it the lazy way. Has anyone else done this? I’m thinking of pulling it up with a coat hanger and get the first bolt in. I seems the work of putting this in would be 100% from the top of the engine. In inspecting the connector’s integrity and cleaning out the connectors, I found this easy to unwire and rewire when I cleaned the connections.

Is their something I don’t know that needs to be done under the car when replacing this?

Madeline
Hollywood, Fl

 

[Roadman]

Hi Madeline-------------I've replaced the alternator on my '83 ZX a couple of times. Both times, I was able to do the whole thing from the top, through the engine bay. It's not easy, but it can be done. You have to know which way to turn it to clear the obstructions; there was just one way that it would work. If you drop it from the bottom, you could probably do it without jacking the car up, but it would be kinda tight under there. I guess you should do whatever is easiest for you. Good luck, and to avoid doing this again, stick with rebuilding the one you have or buy an OEM replacement.

Roadman

 

[Madeline Michele]

Hi AL -----------------> and thanks for the reply.
I have one more question, would the two big bolts be hard to access?

Madeline
33021

 

[ktulu81zx]

four letters....

C-A-K-E, those bolts (the mounting bolts to bracket) are easy....just get the old 12mm socket out (wrench would be **** most likely)......have fun


Ed

 

[Al 260Z]

Hi Madeline...

I'm Al, Roadman is Dennis!!

Be sure to disconnect battery. Sparkles are fun on July 4, but not so good when ya get zapped and get nasty scorch marks on your nice chrome plated tools and pampered engine! Also not so good for the threads on the alt + post.

My 3/8 ratchet from time immemorial has a bunch o these battle scars. Every time: ARRGGHH! I KNEW I SHUDDA DISCONNECTED THE DANG BATTERY!

Al