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'88 4 Cyl Alternator Brace Required? by Pat Dotson
Started on: 09-15-2013 07:35 PM
Replies: 6 (106 views)
Last post by: theogre on 09-16-2013 04:52 PM
Pat Dotson
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Report this Post09-15-2013 07:35 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Pat DotsonClick Here to visit Pat Dotson's HomePageSend a Private Message to Pat DotsonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Just changed the alternator on my '88 4 cyl. Went pretty smooth except the bolt head securing the left end of the brace twisted off. The bolt is broken off into the threaded hole.

I finished the job, but don't know if I can clear that bolt hole. Can I run without the brace?
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theogre
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Report this Post09-16-2013 12:22 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Bolt broke In intake manifold? I think Bracket/brace protect tension bracket. GM doesn't spend a penny w/o a good reason.
Likely won't break right away.

Fix?
Need to drill then use easy out.

Can use a long bit and drill thru trunk wall for access or maybe 90° drill and short bit to save you pulling intake.

Carefully Warm the AL w/ propane torch to loosen the bolt. Shock the drilled bolt w/ "canned Air" upside down or Freeze-Off.
try that a few cycle... warm Al, stock bolt, repeat.
If use lube than give time to work.

Warm means warm/hot to your hand only. More can damage the intake.
Avoid heating the bolt directly.
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trotterlg
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Report this Post09-16-2013 12:37 AM Click Here to See the Profile for trotterlgSend a Private Message to trotterlgEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Harbor freight sells a set of left hand drill bits, many times they will pull the broken bolt out while you are drilling a hole for the easy out. They only cost a few dollars. Larry
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Pat Dotson
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Report this Post09-16-2013 01:09 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Pat DotsonClick Here to visit Pat Dotson's HomePageSend a Private Message to Pat DotsonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try going through the trunk wall.
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theogre
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Report this Post09-16-2013 10:44 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by trotterlg:
Harbor freight sells a set of left hand drill bits, many times they will pull the broken bolt out while you are drilling a hole for the easy out. They only cost a few dollars. Larry

Many time doesn't work on bolts in Al parts. Bolt is harder that intake and still broke likely because electrolysis corrosion.
Soak in freeze-off first a few day, spray 1-2 each day.
Don't be in a hurry in either method.

Not sure if intake can use helicoil in that bolt. Those will need Al space to accept a double size hole and the tap to install.
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Pat Dotson
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Report this Post09-16-2013 10:46 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Pat DotsonClick Here to visit Pat Dotson's HomePageSend a Private Message to Pat DotsonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I was thinking of fabricating a new brace that attaches somewhere else. Haven't found a suitable location yet. Maybe an existing bolt located nearby the broken bolt. Anyone ever done this or seen it done?
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theogre
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Report this Post09-16-2013 04:52 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:
Not sure if intake can use helicoil in that bolt. Those will need Al space to accept a double size hole and the tap to install.

I looked... If 88 is like 87... that area won't take a helicoil.

Making a new bracket?
Maybe. No clue if can be done or works.
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