Alternator Bolts!!!

[EMD]

So guys, very long story short...I changed my alternator belt and the mechanic says that it needed adjusting when I went in for a valve adjustment so he adjusted it. I call him back three days later to see if the car is ready and his dad says oh yeah "i'm looking at it, it's ready". Apparently without checking that actually torque on the bolts. A month and a half goes by and on my way to work I hear a clank and rattle. I get to work and this is what I see....my lower pivot bolt missing and the uper bolt nearly falling out. I call him and he says well it wasn't us becuase we tightend them so you better see if you can get these bolts from a scrap yard because I don't have them or I'd give you some.

Does anyone know where I can get the bolts and nuts or what size they are? I think they are 17mm but unsure how long they are and whether I need nuts or not. I had to leave the car at my work and my co-worker gave me a ride to the hospital because my dad is in ICU. I just don't have time for a treasure hunt and need to source these on-line. Any help? I appreciate it.

1978 240d by the way.

[joshhol]

17mm is just the socket size for the head. You need to know the shaft diameter and length of the bolt. My guess is M8 or 10.
Pelican sells a lot of misc nuts/bolts. Place called Grainger has a myriad of sizes too. You could try the classic center or tell me your vin and I'll look in epc.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by EMD

So guys, very long story short...I changed my alternator belt and the mechanic says that it needed adjusting when I went in for a valve adjustment so he adjusted it. I call him back three days later to see if the car is ready and his dad says oh yeah "i'm looking at it, it's ready". Apparently without checking that actually torque on the bolts. A month and a half goes by and on my way to work I hear a clank and rattle. I get to work and this is what I see....my lower pivot bolt missing and the uper bolt nearly falling out. I call him and he says well it wasn't us becuase we tightend them so you better see if you can get these bolts from a scrap yard because I don't have them or I'd give you some.

Does anyone know where I can get the bolts and nuts or what size they are? I think they are 17mm but unsure how long they are and whether I need nuts or not. I had to leave the car at my work and my co-worker gave me a ride to the hospital because my dad is in ICU. I just don't have time for a treasure hunt and need to source these on-line. Any help? I appreciate it.

1978 240d by the way.

After you get this fixed, go tell the mechanic why you're never coming back to his shop again.

[EMD]

Originally Posted by joshhol

17mm is just the socket size for the head. You need to know the shaft diameter and length of the bolt. My guess is M8 or 10.
Pelican sells a lot of misc nuts/bolts. Place called Grainger has a myriad of sizes too. You could try the classic center or tell me your vin and I'll look in epc.

Thanks for the tips. My vin is 12085719.

[EMD]

Originally Posted by strelnik

After you get this fixed, go tell the mechanic why you're never coming back to his shop again.

Oh yeah!

[Phillytwotank]

also, make sure that there is the correct washers on there as well. they will never stay tight if the washers are missing.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Phillytwotank

also, make sure that there is the correct washers on there as well. they will never stay tight if the washers are missing.

Yes-- tensioned washers and a nylock bolt, if a replacement is used.

[gmog220d]

Stories like this = Why I will never use a "mechanic" again, so help me! **** like this happens all too often . . .

[joshhol]

Honestly bro, it would help me help you if you gave me the complete vin number. I know it's a 123XXX but I'm not an expert on 123's.