alternator bolt & wobble

[got mike?]

ok, here's the next issue. i noticed the other day that the bolt that holds the upper alternator bracket was loose. i tried to tighten but it wouldn't "catch" the block so i assume it may be snapped in the middle somewhere. i couldn't get it out either b/c the fan was in the way. i had to go somewhere, so i drove the truck and started hearing a squeak. when i got it home, i found that the bolt had somehow fallen out. the squeak is b/c the alternator is no longer fastened securely. i looked a little more closely today and the bottom bracket is now loose as well. at this point, the alternator is barely hanging on, so i'm not driving it but since the bolt fell out, i am not really sure if it's a part i can order or even how to go about finding what size i need.

any ideas?

i'll upload a couple pics, i can't find my cable right now...

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi Mike,

Good news bad news... That bolt is 2.5 to 3 inches long, & runs thru the water pump B/4 it threads into the block.

If it was able to work outwards & fall out...., it had to be the head & a short length of the shaft. Point being, there's only about 1 inch or less clearance between the bolt head & the back of the water pump pully.

GOOD is, this means that the remaining bolt shaft is still there, protruding from the block somewhat.

BAD is, you'll need to remove fan, pully, & water pump to get to it.

All water pump bolts must be removed carefully so as not to snap another one.

Same for the broken one. Don't want to break it off in the block.

---Clean out the threads in the block B/4 re-assembly..!!---

Use some anti-seize on the bolts. (replace bolts if rust-rotted) Use proper torque spec. for tightening.

The bottom mount is a "horseshoe" shaped bracket bolted to the block. The alt. mounts to it with a large bolt & nut. I think its a 5/8's or 3/4 wrench.

You could snug that big bolt up tight enough to get you by for a short while...

or., it could be the two bolts holding the horseshoe bracket in place are loose. Tighten them..!

Point being., you can get by W/O the top bracket for short slow trips for a short while if need be.., but it needs to be fixed..!! >< <'>

 

[Bronc76]

Shoulder bolt 7/16"-14, 5 1/2" long, not counting the head.

 

[Bully Bob]

I believe that's the bottom alt. mount bolt. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

What Mike needs (spec.) is the "adj. bracket" bolt that broke off in/at the water pump. <_<

If memory serves., they're 1/4 in. but he'll know when he gets it., & the other pump bolts out.

 

[Elmo]

They are 5/16 but im not sure of the length