Drinks

My alternator is shot, need a new one installed. I'm not a mechanic at all, was wondering if I would be able to install it myself so I can save those "labor" charges that they charge. How hard would it be for me to do? Need help. Need car back on road. 84 GSL

SparkienSuggah

the alternator is monkey-simple to replace.
you need a 14mm socket, a 14mm wrench (9/16 will suffice for 14mm you imperial twinkie) for the pivot
and a 12mm for the lock.. there is no imperial equiv for 12mm.

the electricals on the back require one 10mm something or other (or pliers) and maybe a screwdriver to pry out the connector.

to re-tension the belt, use a small length of wood or a large screwdriver or something to pry up on the alte. while you tighten the lock bolt.

Enjoy!

Rx Seven

iTrader: (12)

This is also the perfect time to upgrade your alternater, like one from a 2nd or 3rd gen Rx7 search and you will find alot of information.

MattG

iTrader: (2)

it is very simple to do. Rx is right go ahead and upgrade that wimpy alt. Ive got a FD into a FB alt if you are interested. Very simple way to upgrade.

Snapshot

I've changed alternators in both my 7s a couple times each mostly using Pep Boys relacements. Its simple. Last time was in the parking lot at work w/ my minimal wrench/socket tool kit I carry in the car & my jack bar. Don't forget to disconnect the battery.

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

Think about this guys...if he's not sure he can even do a straight replacement, what are the odds he'll be able to do an upgrade, which involves extra wiring??

I say just put the stock replacement in and be done with it.

Just my $0.02.

Rich

mbaha

He can buy a used '86-'88 70a alternator from the board for $30 which would require no rewiring

http://www.rx7.org/public/altxref.html

also this may help you
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/cars/rx7/85_manual.html

aussiesmg

iTrader: (1)

Remember to disconnect the negative wire from your battery before you start.

Drinks

Thanks to all my Rx-7 family. I gonna try to do this in a couple of days. Will keep yall posted. Also "mbaha" mentioned that other alternator i can buy from the board. Is it good to buy a used alternator? Will it definately go in as easy as the regular replacement or should i just get a new regular one?

mbaha

Used vs New

I think it is personal decision. In your case it may be better to a get a new one (they are actually rebuilt) from Pep boys or someone similar just because if it does not work you will not be second guessing the alternator itself. I would also check the price too, used you are looking at $30 or less for a second gen drop in new it may be $80-60. Another plus of new is you can go to the store and pick it up where as used you may have to a week or more with increased shipping times due to the holiday.

In short if I was in your shoes get a new one this time
-mbaha

Drinks

A second gen is a 86-88 right

bliffle

They can test the alt at the autostore, and it pays even with a newly rebuilt unit. You can also get good ones delivered from rockauto.com in a couple days.

Nothing wrong with any of my old FB alternators.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

If you can change spark plugs, and get the wires back on correctly, you can change the alt. We all have to start learning somewhere, or continue paying out the *** for someone else to do it. The more work I do myself, the more upgrades/parts I can buy/install with what I save on the labor bill.

Stick with the S4 86-88 alt. No wiring changes involved, but the spacer for the lower mounting bolt may need to be thinned a bit .

Drinks

Thanks again my Rx7 family. I removed the alternator extremely easily. I am going to put in the 70 amp S4 86 - 88 alt.

OnlyOnThurs

hopefully this will inspire you to do more work yourself on the car.....when i was alot younger and i didnt really know much about cars i basically started working on small stuff like alternators...battery changes....even changing a damn spare......you get confident from these smaller jobs then you will want to do everything else yourself...In all honesty i do everything myself EXCEPT for brakes...i just don't feel comfortable doing them.....thats the one thing i dont know how to do!!!

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

Ah c'mon thurs (as in only on)...you can do brakes! Brakes can be difficult sometimes, but once you understand how they work and you've done them a few times, they're cake!

Rich

Unsupa

iTrader: (2)

start simple then next thing you know you'll be swapping in your first motor and taking pics of your first blown one... hehe.. I love this website, i would've been stranded many times without it..

SparkienSuggah

doing your own work isnt just cost effective, its majorly rewarding.

personally, i drive the nasty smelling **** outta my cars as long as there is gasoline to do so, because i know if i break something, i can fix it myself.

and the knuckle grinding experiance counts double when your fuel pump wiring goes on the side of a busy highway during the saturday rush in the snowy rain, and you rewire it using only a swiss army knife - much to the disappointment of the THREE tow trucks that have come to prey on your baby.

once you buy a minivan, you'll never pay someone for a tow again.

skizzle84

hah, my alternator died today as well(i think). My battery level keeps going from normal to nearly dead the more i crank the engine.
either the starter or alternator, ill get it checked first.

anyways, whats the deal with wiring? any of that need to be done to mod it right?

gonzz

I got a gsl-se alternator for sale. 25 shipped if you need one..

Drinks

Hey, long tim no write. I finally got a new alternator. I got a 70a 86 - 88 alternator. I put it on with no problem. My question is, the new one seems bigger, or wider. When I put it on it is bigger than the old one. I guess it would be the bracket part that is wider. I got it on, but do i need to put some washers or a bushing on to fill in the space difference or is it fine? Please assist....

sgieldon

If you have access to a grinder, just take the old spacer and grind it down flat until if fits in. Just grind it down until it goes in snugly not to lose or tight. Grind it alittle a time. That's how I installed my 2nd Gen Alt into my 1st Gen.
Some people just use I think 4-5 depending on (thickness) of washers to achieve the same thing.
Either way it saves you a trip to the Salvage Yard ie Gas.
Good Luck
sgieldon
steve