changing alternator

[goosergus]

Hoping to do today so any quick answers would be much appreciated

Just about to fit alternator to sprinter. I see the alternator has no adjustment. How do i release belt tension to get alternator off easily

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Not done this myself but it has been explained to me by a helpful merc mechanic and I have also had a good look at the set up after a belt and pulleys replacement under warranty.

The belt is tensioned by a spring loaded tensioner which has a bolt head(17mm?) fitted to it. there is not a lot of room but fit a combination spanner onto the bolt head and lever to release the tension then using your free hand(what do you mean, you haven't got one?) pop the belt off the pulley for the alternator then stop pushing on the spanner. The mechanic told me that the belt usually stays pretty much where you leave it, so once the alternator is replaced simply carry out the reverse to fit the belt back on. Probably a good idea to take a quick sketch of the belt routing in case it all falls off

hope this helps.

 

[goosergus]

okay i get the gist of what you are saying but i am not near van for a little while yet.
The bolt you talk of applying pressure to sits at the bottom of the long spring and shock absorber. Would that be right or wrong.
It sounds like a time saver.

Thanks for your advice

 

[Parrot of Doom]

On mine, theres a shocker and spring at the front of the engine, attached to the engine block, and at the other end to a rotating arm.

The spring is anchored onto the block via a small piece of black plastic. The plastic bit has a bolt through it (13mm on mine IIRC). You undo the bolt, the plastic bit swings around as the spring shortens, and the tension on the belt is removed. Then you can remove the belt.

To put the spring back, theres a big hole in the top of the plastic bit. Just put a suitable lever into it (say a fat allen key) and push it over, until you can put the bolt back on.

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

okay i get the gist of what you are saying but i am not near van for a little while yet.
The bolt you talk of applying pressure to sits at the bottom of the long spring and shock absorber. Would that be right or wrong.
It sounds like a time saver.

Thanks for your advice

Not completely sure myself and I am not about to go out in the rain to have a look now. I would assume that the lever point/bolt head must be somewhere between the pivot point and the tensioner pulley. The mechanic that did mine definitely used the combination spanner to release tension and fit the new belt.

 

[C220GJS]

The hex you use is the nut on the end of the tensioner pulley spindle.No.23 in this diagram;http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=M&cat=19K&SID=20&SGR=045&SGN=03 Fit your spanner to the nut and lever in an anti-clockwise direction to relieve the tension then slip the belt off.

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

The hex you use is the nut on the end of the tensioner pulley spindle.No.23 in this diagram;http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=M&cat=19K&SID=20&SGR=045&SGN=03 Fit your spanner to the nut and lever in an anti-clockwise direction to relieve the tension then slip the belt off.

I bow down before the Knowledge

this means that if it is still there the plactic cover/cap(No 26) will need popping off.

 

[IAN MAC]

Sounds about right. Changed mine last month, when you take the spring off the mini shocker it all becomes very clear.

 

[goosergus]

Hi people and agian thanks for all your replies.

i replaced the alternator in no time at all and everything is okay. Used method described by parrot. Easy.

Only thing is this morning on starting i noticed a very worrying knocking noise. When i stopped panicing and my wits returned i remembered some posts about the shock absorber within the belt tension assembly. Applying pressure to the absorber stops the noise. All bolts are tight so how do i permantly stop the noise? Do i need a new shock?
Is it safe to continue driving for now.
Many thanks.

 

[cebuman]

just a silly point from a new member and prberbly very obvious to many. if the horrific noise/rattle/vibration happened AFTER your repair it must make sence that it has something to do WITH your repair rather than anything else on the car / van etc.

 

[goosergus]

New shock fitted noise gone. The bushes on the shock were well worn

Thanks to all for posting