Trouble with 95A alternator mounting on 1981

[Tango]

Has anyone experienced problems mounting a 95A alternator on a 1981 Fiat Spider 2000? Basically, because it hits the overhead bracket for the belt tension adjustment bolt, I can't "lift" the alternator quite high enough to pass the mounting bolt through the front hole. using a mirror, they seem to be misaligned by a couple of millimetres. I shouldnt have to modify the tension adjustment bracket. it is like the new alt is just a slightly bigger diameter.

Anybody run into that? Any suggestions? Is it possible that I dont have the original bracket (fits the old alternator fine). I was really hoping to have it back on the road for the weekend, the season hasn't much left in it here in Ontario.

Tim

[divace73]

Has anyone experienced problems mounting a 95A alternator on a 1981 Fiat Spider 2000? Basically, because it hits the overhead bracket for the belt tension adjustment bolt, I can't "lift" the alternator quite high enough to pass the mounting bolt through the front hole. using a mirror, they seem to be misaligned by a couple of millimetres. I shouldnt have to modify the tension adjustment bracket. it is like the new alt is just a slightly bigger diameter.

Anybody run into that? Any suggestions? Is it possible that I dont have the original bracket (fits the old alternator fine). I was really hoping to have it back on the road for the weekend, the season hasn't much left in it here in Ontario.

Tim

Mine went in easily, the only thing I have to do is put a spacer between the bracket and the alternator (I used a larger diameter thick nut)

[Divers]

Tim,

Installing mine in my 81 was a pain in the ass.

1. The point where the alt bracket passes by the spring for the tensioner. I had to notch the alt bracket to give room to get past the spring.

2. If you get a distributorless ignition you have to bent the crap out of the bracket, but if you don't...the notch is the only mod.

[4uall]

Hey Tim I just installed mine the other day. Mine is on the drivers side. The only issue I ran into was removing the lower bolt (was crazy long). I did remove the alt belt, then the old came right out and the new had to be finessed a little (read cursing and grunting). I did pry the upper mounting bracket ever so slightly to get her to fit.


95 Amp Alternator upgrade by itzebtze, on Flickr

[Divers]

Could you take a picture of how your alt bracket mounts to the block? Curious as to why mine comes so close to the tensioner spring.

Thanks

[4uall]

I can however, it will be after work around 6pm est

[TX82FIAT]

Take mounting bracket of engine block.

[Divers]

"Take mounting bracket of engine block"

I don't understand your statement?

[4uall]

i think he meant to say "off"

[TX82FIAT]

Correct. Then fit it back on and consider spacer if needed.

[Tango]

i think the issue is that my upper bracket for tensioning bolt is a bit lower than 4uall's and it will take more than cursing and ever so slightly bending. But I will take it off and then put the alternator in again and see what happens.

[4uall]

good luck Tim

[divace73]

forgot to mention I did have to get a new smaller belt.

[giuliot60]

How much smaller David?

[divace73]

How much smaller David?

it was 1 size smaller than the one I had one, however I imagine that would be relative. went to the local auto shop to get a smaller belt, initially they gave me one that was too small, had to go to another shop to get the one in between (but still smaller than my original belt) and returned the too small belt that didn't fit.
Maybe grab a couple and see if they let you return the belt that doesn't fit.