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Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series III?

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Michael J.

Jedi Warrior
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The Series III service manual indicates that after diconnecting the alternator from underneath, since it is mounted at the bottom just above the lower Radiator Hose, that it is then removed from the top of the engine compartment.

The manual does not say anything about having to remove or reposition the airconditioning compressor, but I don't see any room for it to pass and it wont pass through the bottom without removing the front swaybar, and I'm not sure it it would pass through then.

Any secrets out there on how to get it out and the new one in?
 
I dont know about the 6 cylinder but on a V12 there is NO way to remove the Alt. through the top. You must remove what ever is needed and go through the bottom. I wouldn't be suprised if you had to remove the radiator or something first on your car. While your in there you might as well replace all the belts, hoses, and anything else perishable. It would be a bummer to have to go back in 6 months for a hose clamp or something. Good luck
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

It's been a long time since I worked at the Leyland dealer but I remember those alternators coming out the bottom. I think that you do have to disconnect the sway bar. Also,it took longer to change the belts than the alternator itself.

Alan T
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

Disconnect the end links on the sway bar. Remove the bolts holding the lower radiator coolant pipe. remove the adjuster completely, noting that it should have a washer between adjuster and alternater Use a quarter drive flex socket, and remove the upper bolts.Pay attention to where all the wires were hooked up. You can hook up the small feed wire in two places, but only one will work. Good Luck
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

I have been removing the alternator out of the top by gaining access and clearence by mechanically disconnecting the AC conmpressor mounting and leaving the freon lines intact. You then tilt the compressor front upwards and secure it in this position by wiring. It is not an easy job particularly when remounting the compressor. The whole thing could be made easier by bolt tapping threads on the mounting brackets. I think the most difficult operation is grabbing the nuts under the compressor/alternator mounts. This operation is also contingent on permanently removing the air injection compressor and lines. I have tried bottom removal and dont like it. I am open for suggestions for the easiest way. Jack
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

Thanks all!

I just could not get the A/C compressor pivot bolts out, so I followed the suggestion offered by jessebogan above. I ended up draining the coolant so that I could get the transmission cooler tube completely out of the way.

It took longer to reinstall the brackets and air emission pump on top than it did to change the alternator.
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

John Farrington;

I sent you an email reply about the door locks, etc. I don't think it went through though, since I havent heard back.
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

Mike, Im sorry about the slow response. I have been trying to get my backlog of British cars out of the door. I have now accomplished this and I am on the way to my date with the heart surgeon on Monday. The plan is that I will be at the hospital or incapacitated for about a month (maybe longer). I will try to pick up the pieces about the end of September. Did you get my estimate on the life cycle of a Marelli ignition?? Thankfully the catalytic fire only ignited the vacuum line to the transmission..It could have ignited the entire car if I had not had a fire extinguisher. Good luck Jack
 
Re: Tricks for Alternator Removal 87 XJ6 Series II

Michael, the Alternator WILL come out through the bottom by first removing the Pan, the undoing the sway Bar links, and then undoing the coolant tube and moving it upwards or backwards as needed, no need to drain the system. I got the original Lucas alternator out just like that in my 1984 XJ-6, and then installed John's Cars "GM Alt" alternative alternator the same way. Frankly, I am not impressed by the GM alternator; The Lucas unit never waivered before, it always remained at the 12V mark with everything running at the same time, but the GM alternator causes the gauge to go down to around 10.5V as soon as I turn the AC on, turn the stereo on, turn the lights on, etc.

So the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" it's true.

Jack, I hope your heart surgery goes well.
 
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