Yes, I did install the bracket before the alternator this last time--but you can't put the adjusting bolt in the bracket until the alternator ear is there to be "grabbed by the bolt (the one with the adjusting screw extension on it). The bracket is attached to the aluminum support casting secured to the engine, and the bracket HAS to be installed on that with the uppermost bolt, adjacent to the block, before the support casting is put on the engine, at least on my engine. There is not enough space behind the bracket to take out or insert that bolt from the rear forward.

So the alternator is installed on the lower pivot bolt now, and with the belt on, is pulled very tightly under the bracket, pushing it into the cooling water fitting (and hose) which runs over it. There is no slack in the belt to speak of, and I can't get that adjusting bolt (with the long thin extension) to mate up with the hole in the upper "ear" of the alternator, because of the alternator's position very close to the engine block.

Thanks for commenting!

jb

Here's two photos, one from the side. In the side view, note that the alternator is pulled right up into the bracket by the belt, and the bracket is pushed up into the cooling water line. In the top view, look at the distance from the side of the engine bay to the alternator. Generally the alternator is within an inch of that edge.

Attached Thumbnails