Alternator Tensioner Release Help

[Gide76]

Hello all,

So after deciding to replace my main stat I am failing miserably at the first hurdle!

The guide I have is to release the tensioner 17mm bolt and lock with pin then remove alternator.

Can't see a 17mm bolt they are all 15mm and can't work out how to lock the alternator. Mine is an 54 plate gti. 

Pic below of alternator any help much appreciated. Perhaps I should just take it to a garage....






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[Gide76]

Doh just worked it out!


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[bacillus]

Doh just worked it out!

    

[v4rley]

Doh just worked out!

  did you manage to get the thermostat swapped? I'm in two mind where to tackle or to take to vw. Would be interested to know how you got on and any tips? 

[Gide76]

Sorry missed your reply.

No I bottled when prying the lower connection of the alternator as the weather was coming in and knew that if I couldn't get the sliders back in it was the point of no return. I.e. No alternator no starting car!

I will have another go as now I have worked out how to get the sliders out it will be a bit easier.

It was the first time I have dropped the coolant/removed the alternator and what took a long time first attempt will take me minutes now,

Will you you know how I get on! Will try and take pics throughout process too.


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[v4rley]

No worries about delay reply though you were perhaps still working on it 

I have ordered a new thermostat and collecting tomorrow, going to attempt sat / sun.

I dropped coolant few weeks back so know that bit and also locking the tensioner. Sounds like the sliders could be the next bit of fun, have read somewhere about tapping bolt just before removing to push them back in?

Best of luck and keep update and I'll do the same 

[doylebros]

This may be worth a watch so you can see what's coming next!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nZDMexvOlmU

[Gide76]

This may be worth a watch so you can see what's coming next!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nZDMexvOlmU

Cheers doylebros have watched this a few times already very useful. In case you hadn't already worked out from the title of my thread I have limited experience mechanically:)

I am determined to have a go this year so will hopefully try this weekend weather permitting!


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[Gide76]

Good luck v4ley. It does look like the hardest part is after the alternator is off but reckon its worth a go!


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[doylebros]

What happens with this type of work when you've got limited skills and knowledge, you also tend to have nothing else going in your favour eg ramps, special tools, other people to ask, spares for them items which break on removal etc etc!

I think most of these jobs are worth doing yourself,to have the personal satisfaction of completing the challenge!

So In closing plenty snaps and except it not a race and you'll enjoy it.  

[v4rley]

Cheers guys!

Thing a good % of the views on the YouTube video are me 

Yeah DIY'ing doesn't always go to plan, but always satisfying when sorted 

I'm no pro but have changed CV gaiter, strip a s3 for spares (although a lot easier not having to put it back together  )

I'll try and get some snaps to. Sure at least one of use should mange to conquer it 

[v4rley]

     


Set about changing the thermostat today, and as you can see all sorted!
Took me 1.5 hours to get to the stage of removing the old thermostat and just under same again to re install!

I didn't remove the tensioner, just removed bolt and tilted back slightly.
I removed the thermostat with the bottom hose still attached (disconnected it from the T joint near aux pump) as it's a very tight fit and had to use mallet to get old one out.
Also retracting the alternator bolts in a strong suggestion, I didn't realise till I had wired it back up than had to struggle doing it in the engine. Used a 18mm deep socket to pull back through from the rear. Photo here if you can make it out :


If you need any advice or tips just ask 
 

[Gide76]

Nice one! Was wondering how you got on with it.

Planning to do mine first thing tomorrow as weather better.

Good tip about taking bottom pipe from top of aux pump and will hunt out a deep socket before I start. 




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[v4rley]

Yeah was as bad as first expected and finish off in the dark too.

Could bro ably use the ring end of a 18mm spanner, but may need a washer too.

You will need a 5mm spline / triple square to release the two coolant pipes to the front right of the engine. First one is obvious, next to where the 10mm nut where the inlet hard pipe attached. The second one is to the right of the first and slight hidden by some wiring loom which is cable tied and may need cutting.

Best of luck 

[Gide76]

Well that's 3hours of my life I will never get back!

Couldn't for the life of me find the 2nd retaining screw for the 2nd metal coolant pipe.

Managed the first one easily enough and the nut but couldn't find the other one or even work out what to take off to search.

Given that it took me ages to get to that point and I didn't have the lower pipe off the stat either I gave up.

Managed to put everything back ok and car works which is nice but think I will put this down to experience and happily pay someone to do it:)



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