Alternator Pulley Removal Question
 

I know this should be easier than I'm making it, but I think I've bent 2 cooling fan fins inside the alternator already, so there must be a better way to do this than what I've tried, and Haynes is absolutely no help...

How the hell do I get the alternator pulley off so I can install the dual belt unit? Am I screwed, should I just get a new alternator?

If I choose the new alternator route, I've seen a few limited mentions of upgrading to the FD alternator...anybody have a quick and easy on how this is done, i.e. what is required? Will I need to change harness connectors, or are these identical? Also, are all the mounting points, and the belt length the same?

Back to the original question, in case the FD will require the same issue (I'm sort of hoping it comes w/o pulley, but even so, I'll need a way to tighten it I guess)...is there a 'brace' point on these alternators that I've missed, where we can prevent the rotating assy from moving, or is it just 'stick a screwdriver in and hope the fins don't bend'?

All help is much appreciated, I'm tired of working on this POS

FD alt bolts right up. The FD Alt I'm talking about is an S6. I'm not too familiar with FDs, so I'm not sure if the FD has 2 versions (S6 and S7).

Anyways, S6 bolts right up.

If you have an S5 car, the harness plug also is plug and play. If you have an S4, you have to change the plug. No biggie.

FD alternators are run via a serp. belt system, and FCs are all 'v'-belt. You need to swap the pulley onto the alternator. When I purchased mine from silverrotor he included a dual 'v'-belt pulley upon request so that I may run dual belts should I choose to remove the air pump. However if you purchase from a dealer, I'm not sure if they include the stock serp. belt pulley, if any pulley at all. In that case you would have to swap over the pulley. Not a big deal.

Your suppost to hit the alternator pulley nut with an air powered socket/gun. :)

Go to Autozone and rent (free) a pulley remover. Its pretty much a chain looking thing that holds the pulley in place while you turn the nut with a wrench. You should do it this way if you don't have air tools or an electric impact wrench. You can also remove the alternator and take it to a tire shop and have them loosen/tighten the pulley for you :)

FD alternators bolt right up. You need to mess with the wiring in the back but theres too many posts about this that you should have no trouble searching out the answer. The FD alternator IS more expensive than the FC ones. Just keep that in mind. If you're broke, a rebuilt alternator or even a junkyard one is a good choice.

ps.
S4 (series4) = 1986-1988 FCs
s5 (series5) = 1989-1992 FCs
s6 (series6) = FD

Just in case you read Black13B's post and got confused. :D

Thanks, wan. :)

I wasn't sure if the FD3S had a different series like the FC3S does.

I knew for sure that my FD3S alternator was an 'S6', and it bolted up no problem. I actually had less hassle bolting it up rather than the stock S4 alt.

Jesturbo, I highly recommend the S6 FD3S alternator. You will notice immediately a big difference in your charging system. If you ever add anything electronically, you won't have to worry about amperage the way you would with a stock FC3S alternator. :)

you need an air gun. comes off in 2 secs. if you have another car. drive to a local shop with the alt. they will probably whip it off for free.

you will want to airgun the new one on as well

ps.
S4 (series4) = 1986-1988 FCs
s5 (series5) = 1991-1992 FCs
s6 (series6) = FD

Just in case you read Black13B's post and got confused. :D

:wtf1:

what the hell happened to 89 and 90?

:flipoff: :wave: :p: my "8" and "9" key stopped working after I typed the years for series4 cars....

cpy and paste arse ;)

then how did you write the "19" and the "91" after :p:

Series 4 = 1988 >
Series 5 = 1989 <

:rlaugh:

:owned:

Well, the FD is probably the way I'll go, though my charging system requirements will be minimal as this is a race car in the making, no stereo, no power windows, etc, and eventually no real dash to speak of, so it'll be barely taxed, but I believe in overbuilding for the track, so FD it is. I figured air gun was the logical choice, just didn't want to have to go that way...guess I'll get it handled this week. Thanks for all the replies...however, any suggestions on where to source the plug adaptor for the FD alternator (I do have an S4)...do I need to buy one from the dealer, or is this something adaptable from elsewhere?

Tony D sends you a plug with the alternator. ;)

to change my pulley i used a big pipe wrench on the pulley to hole it and had a buddy turn the nut with the socket wrench. add a little wd-40 and it came right off.

jaared

Who is Tony D and does he sell them, or did he just sell you one from a parts car?

Jesturbo, I am the one who Is currently selling the FD Alternator Kits. You should have a look at my thread and If you have any additional questions, please feel free to PM me.:)
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=172766

Just wanted to let you guys know that I was trying to get off that damn pulley. Came to check if you guys knew how, found this thread and thought i would try using the air impact. HOLY SHIT!? It actually worked. I'm amazed at how well those things work. They feel like they have no power, but all I did was lightly hold the pulley and hit the trigger, instantly the pulley pieces and locknut are in my hand. DAMN. Installed the new double belt pulley without first realising I didn't have a spare belt like i thought i did (doh!) ill get it later. Just wanted to say thanks for the good info.