TR6 Quick TR6 alternator question

[sammyb]

I got all ready to finally fire up the TR6 after the whole head R+R saga (adjusted valves today.) Huge squeal from the alternator. It was actually the alternator cooling fan fins rubbing against the housing. The fan was actually spinning on the shaft, due to sitting on the shaft past the keyway. Isn't it supposed to be on the shaft keyway? Is there supposed to be a washer/shaft lock to keep it on the key and away from the housing? When the alternator was off, I don't recall taking off the fan -- just the pulley. Of course, I was using the alternator nut to turn the engine (plugs out) to adjust the valves, so I wonder if I bent the fan?

If anyone has a good set of photos of the alternator pulled apart and where the fan is supposed to sit, it would be helpful. I'm breaking for a late lunch to catch my wits.

As always, thanks y'all.

 

[Tim Tucker]

Sam,
I believe it is keyed. I have some more pictures (not exactly what you want) here: https://www.tidentenn.com/CC78xxxLO/41 (12-16-2009 (ALTERNATOR))/index.html

One of the other pictures shows the key slot in the shaft. Hope it helps. Tim.

 

[sammyb]

Yes -- I know it is keyed, but the fan slips all the way down past the end of the key on the shaft. The key only goes a few inches, and then there's an inch or two that's non-keyed.

 

[TR3driver]

Should be a spacer in there, between the fan & inner bearing race. When you tighten up the nut, it clamps the pulley, fan and spacer against the bearing race (which in turn butts against a shoulder on the shaft).

Sorry I don't have a photo handy.

 

[Tim Tucker]

I believe this is the spacer of the left side of the picture.

 

[sammyb]

The spacer isn't there! That's my issue. Thanks Randall....I'll have to MacGyver something.

 

[sammyb]

So I pulled off the alternator and since there was no spacer, I basically made one by cutting down a rubber spark plug boot. Seems to fit and work fine. Since I might just need to replace the alt at some point in the future (when I tried to open it, one of the long screws broke, so even though the bearings make no noise and don't wobble, it's an old one), I'm not going to fret too much about the MacGyvering.

I was able to take a moment to see if I could finally start the car. Gave it a shot of starting fluid and it was coughing and trying to start -- just didn't totally catch. Oil pressure went up to around 60ish. Good signs!

I'm out of time for the weekend, so on Monday or Tuesday I'll see if the fuel pump is pushing fuel. At least she wants to run!