Alternator wiring connector - How does it come off?
 

Feels like a dumb question, but how does the little plastic wiring connector piece come off the back of the alternator? Instinct tells me it should just pull off. But, I'm having a heck of time managing this and I don't want to break the thing apart, in case I'm doing it wrong.

...actually another question about the alternator: I've got the nut off the front, in order to take the pulley off. Should the pulley be very hard to get off? What's a safe way to remove it if it's really tight....w/o damaging it?

Chris,
There is a little wire clip that needs to be moved out of the way. If the plug is still stuck, chances are the the connectors have stuck to the pins. If they have been a bit loose for some time, they arc a bit, this can sort of weld them on. Its a PITA to get it out.

Yep, pulled the little wire 'holder' out of the way already. So you've confirmed then that it *should* just pull off....at least it should under ideal conditions. Thanks.

That little plastic connector can be tough to get out, but it's only held in place by the retaining wire/clip that's obvious. I had to wiggle mine loose with some prying using a small screwdriver.

Ditto on the plastic clip. Gentle leverage with a screwdriver might be in order. As for the pulley. A few squirts of PB Blaster and then a bearing seperator should do the trick. Pulled mine off recently without the bearing seperator though. Just squirted with PB, clamped pulley in vice (with wood shims to protect it) and tapped the shaft --- watch that the alt does not drop to the floor if you do it this way. Was pretty careful with the pressure on the pulley with vice. Didn't want to distort the shape. Good luck

My car has a post style connector now. :D I upgraded my alternator last June to an 80A from a Saab.

http://www.tglmarketinginc.com/mbfor...306smaller.jpg

http://www.tglmarketinginc.com/mbfor...304smaller.jpg

pawoSD:

That's what I'm doing too. But I thought that the 80A still used the spade lugs. I thought that it wasn't until you got above 80A that they started using the posts.