Help - Need to replace alternator
 

Hello All:

I think the alternator in my 88 GXL needs to be replaced. Anybody know where I can get one quickly? Ideally I would like to replace it tonight...

Also, i've never replaced an alternator in a RX-7 before ( have done it in other cars). Is it easy or is it buried behind a bunch of hoses and other stuff?

Thanks,

Reverend

Disconnect the battery (removing the ground cable first).

Disconnect the alt connections

unbolt the alt.

take alt down to local auto parts store and have the check it, if bad replace it. When tighetning the alt belt tighten to a belt deflection of about 1/2 inch between the E-shaft and the alt.

Now if you want to do it the right way, you will also want to replace the belt for the alt which requires you remove the fan and other belts, so that you can put a new belt in.

Don't forget when hooking everything back up the negitive battery cable should be re-attached as the very last thing to do before closing the hood or testing.

you do not need to remove the fan when removing and replacing belts...you could...but its a lot easier to put the belt around the fan...around one spoke of the fan and then another and another all the way around...taking the fan off is a waste of time...although it is one way to do it...but you do need to take off the 2 other belts in the prcess so each one needs to be taken off and re tightned when you put it back on...but each can fit around the fan...no need to take it off

its like 5 minutes to take off 4 10mm nuts to take the fan off....

why would you waste the time going around the fan blades if you didn't have too???

well im just saying that your way is fine but there is also another way if the guy wants to do it that way...i have had to take off all the belts on my 7 like 3 times and everytime i put them over the fan so i thought it was easier that way...and also because the bolts around the fan on MY car are all rusted so it would be easier for me to go around it rather than take it off...but your way is fine also

Cause I can get the belts around the fan in less than 20 seconds. :)

I'd also recommend getting an OEM Alt. Some of these you can get a auto parts stores are pretty shitty. I went through 4 of 'em in a year and a half, untill I broke down and ordered one through the dealership. It costs a little more but its better than getting stuck in traffic with a bum alt.