Farrar's car blog

[Farrar]

This photo was posted on the DML by "Matt" (I don't know his last name) as a replacement for the alternator tensioning bracket. It looks to me like two rod ends (or "Heim joints" as people insist upon calling them), two lock nuts, and a threaded sleeve. Anyone else have this on their car? I am thinking of making such a linkage up for my car. It looks easy enough, and tensioning the alternator belt would be a snap.

alternator_linkage.jpg

McMaster-Carr has all the available parts in stainless steel.

Any potential drawbacks to this setup?

[Ron]

The only thing that comes to mind is that, depending on the length of the ear on your particular alternator, the arm might hit the fan...being why the stock unit(s) use a "J" shaped one...

[Farrar]

The only thing that comes to mind is that, depending on the length of the ear on your particular alternator, the arm might hit the fan...being why the stock unit(s) use a "J" shaped one...

I have Houston's alternator. To my knowledge, the fan blades don't come near the bolt head, but I will probably measure anyway the next time I get a chance to touch the car, which will probably be in a month or two at this rate.

[Spittybug]

I have got in touch with him. He told me to spray brake cleaner all over the intake manifold with the engine running. I hesitate to do this for two reasons: 1. my car still has catalytic convertors on it and 2. I do not want my car to catch fire again.

On second thought, maybe I should try it. If I set the car on fire using Bill's technique, he will have to come down here and help me repair the damage.

A blind mechanic I knew in college many years ago taught me to hunt for leaks using just a simple can of ether or carb cleaner. Just spray it around suspected leaky areas and listen for RPM change. Won't hurt cats, evaporates very quickly so it won't puddle....

[Farrar]

I got my "antique" license plate in the mail yesterday! Woo hoo!

[aludden]

[...] carb cleaner. [...]

You mean K-Jet cleaner?

[Farrar]

You mean K-Jet cleaner?

No, this is K-Jet cleaner...

cash-in-hand.jpg

[stevedmc]

No, this is K-Jet cleaner...

cash-in-hand.jpg

Amen

[aludden]

Amen

Now, now ... no religious talk on the group ...

[Farrar]

Sooooooo what's the typical lifespan of those stainless steel speedi-sleeves and seals for the output flanges? Because it looks like I am leaking gear oil.

puddle.jpg
First I saw the puddle.....

drips.jpg
... and this location and the color of the liquid seem very familiar.

I checked all of the other fluids -- I am not leaking oil, coolant, or transmission fluid.