Club 80-90 Forums

1984, 1.9 DG with 90amp alternator upgrade.

Hi all

I have had a long running niggle in the back of my mind that stems from the knowledge that the only thing holding my Alternator in are the wires in the back, the adjuster nut and the auxhillary belt! The alternator is firmly fixed to its mount, but this is turn is not fixed to the engine block. There are the two holes available, but they have no threads in them; suggesting a previous shear off and drill out. The problem doesn't effect battery charge, and there is only minimal flapping about While the engine runs, but this delicate balance relies on the existing auxhillary belt being used, not allowing a new one to be fitted (I've tried the same size, and a non-specific one from an auto factors just measured to the existing). I'll also mention that I'm at full limit on the adjustment notches.

My question to the forum is: can I safely re-thread these bolt-holes in the engine block with a tap or is there somewhere vital that the cuttings could end up?

Thanks in advance friends!

If they went through to anywhere vital, fluids would be escaping without the bolts in.

If you're still worried, plenty of grease on the tap, and remove/clean/regrease it regularly as you go. I've seen that used on spark plug threads many times with no ill effects.

Thanks Adrian! On it tomorrow!