Alternator Replacement 1986 Z na
08-26-2003, 09:30 AM
#1
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Alternator Replacement 1986 Z na
How difficult is it to replace the alternator on a 1986 ZX na? Can I do it without have to jack the car off of the ground? Will I be able to use regular tools (non-air)? How many hours am I looking at? Thanks in advance for the consideration? Also, recommendation on replacement part? Brand, expected cost?
08-26-2003, 11:25 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 342
Re: Alternator Replacement 1986 Z na
It's not very difficult. It can be done without jacking up the car, but raising the car certainly makes it easier. You don't have to get it 2' off the ground, just enough to slide under to access the lower mounting bolts. They can be accessed from the top, but like I said, it's easier from the bottom.
Hand tools will be just fine, I never break out the air tools for an alternator swap. You will need an extension though, to get to the upper bolt on the rear of the alternator - tha'ts the hardest part of the whole job. I'd say 2.5 hrs tops from the time you step into the driveway to the time you crank it up afterward.
Shouldn't take any longer than that.
Hint: remove the subharness along with the alternator, it detaches from the main harness via 2 plugs. Follow from the alternator to find them. Then swap the harness to the new one before you install it. This way you can check the connections and wires for any bare spots and wear.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY make sure that whomever you buy the alternator from tests it BEFORE you even pay before it. Remanufactured units are notorious for being bad right from the store shelf. O'Reilly's, Autozone, Carquest and others have capabilities to test it before you leave the store with it. This will potentially save you hours (sometimes days if they've got no more in stock) of downtime, and labor on your part. Sucks to install one, only to find out that it's no better then the one you just yanked out.
I can't recommend a brand or cost of one. I usually have a spare on the shelf from a functioning car that i parted out, so I've never had to buy one.
Hand tools will be just fine, I never break out the air tools for an alternator swap. You will need an extension though, to get to the upper bolt on the rear of the alternator - tha'ts the hardest part of the whole job. I'd say 2.5 hrs tops from the time you step into the driveway to the time you crank it up afterward.
Shouldn't take any longer than that.
Hint: remove the subharness along with the alternator, it detaches from the main harness via 2 plugs. Follow from the alternator to find them. Then swap the harness to the new one before you install it. This way you can check the connections and wires for any bare spots and wear.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY make sure that whomever you buy the alternator from tests it BEFORE you even pay before it. Remanufactured units are notorious for being bad right from the store shelf. O'Reilly's, Autozone, Carquest and others have capabilities to test it before you leave the store with it. This will potentially save you hours (sometimes days if they've got no more in stock) of downtime, and labor on your part. Sucks to install one, only to find out that it's no better then the one you just yanked out.
I can't recommend a brand or cost of one. I usually have a spare on the shelf from a functioning car that i parted out, so I've never had to buy one.
08-26-2003, 11:52 AM
#3
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Posts: n/a
Spot,
Thank you for the quick response. I am waiting now for the 6pm delievery of the altnator now. I wouldn't have guess to have it checked before leaving the store (Advance Auto) but I will do that now upon your recommendation. I went ahead an purchased a 2 Ton floor jack for this job and hopefully, not many more. I have had my Z for a few months now and no worries other than the replacement of the battery about a month ago. Just all of a sudden the amps went from being at 15/16 to around 12 sliding down to 8 then dead! It needs some cosmetic improvements but it gets me from point A to Z in classic style
I'll have to get a picture posted soon. Again thank you for your response.
Dukes
Thank you for the quick response. I am waiting now for the 6pm delievery of the altnator now. I wouldn't have guess to have it checked before leaving the store (Advance Auto) but I will do that now upon your recommendation. I went ahead an purchased a 2 Ton floor jack for this job and hopefully, not many more. I have had my Z for a few months now and no worries other than the replacement of the battery about a month ago. Just all of a sudden the amps went from being at 15/16 to around 12 sliding down to 8 then dead! It needs some cosmetic improvements but it gets me from point A to Z in classic style
I'll have to get a picture posted soon. Again thank you for your response.Dukes
08-28-2003, 11:25 AM
#4
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Posts: n/a
Alternator
Well, it took me a little longer than 2.5 hours. More like 3.5 - 4 . I purchased one of those all in the box floor jack, 2 jack stands, and it really did not allow me to get underneath like I really needed to. And had I immediately took off the Front Mount I would of had it done in the alotted 2.5 as you said. But nooooo I twisted and turned and finally said I must have to remove this to get the darn thing out.
I made my purchase at Advance Auto Parts $99.28 w/LTD Lifetime replacement. I had them to hook it up and test it prior to leaving the store and the guy said that he hadn't had a request like that in a while but understood why I requested to have it checked ! Thanks again.
I made my purchase at Advance Auto Parts $99.28 w/LTD Lifetime replacement. I had them to hook it up and test it prior to leaving the store and the guy said that he hadn't had a request like that in a while but understood why I requested to have it checked ! Thanks again.
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