Changing the alternator

As most of you know, I have a mk1 70SX fitted with a 1500 X19 engine, and also fitted with a UT top change gearbox. My question is:

- Can the alternator be changed without removing the intermediate drive-shaft?

With the original 70SX gearbox and standard (non equal length) drive-shafts in my car, the alternator could be changed without removing either the drive-shaft or the exhaust. With the top change gearbox and intermediate drive-shaft fitted, there isn't enough room to remove the alternator either from above or below.

How do UT owners change their alternators? Exhaust off? Drive-shaft off?

Cheers!

It was many years ago late one freezing cold Friday night but as I recall I had to remove the intermediate driveshaft but not the exhaust to swap my original mk1's alternator. Accessed/withdrawn through the o/s/f wheel arch.

you take the inlet manifold off and pull the alternator up, you dont need to take off any of the exhaust or driveshafts off!

Thanks for the advice guys.

Mark, I'll check on my car though I think the 70SX exhaust manifold might get in the way. If it doesn't, removing the carb/ inlet manifold might be the best option.

Jas, I don't fancy removing the intermediate driveshaft as it's all secured and thread-locked into place! Such a shame Fiat didn't stick the alternator on the front of the engine to aid access...

its not difficult at all to change the alternator, you just have to lie under the car and undo the long bolt which holds the alternator in place

I've changed many alternators before Mark, including in Unos! All other Unos they can come out from underneath by just squeezing past the long driveshaft. I've not changed one fitted to a Uno with the top changer gearbox, and the intermediate driveshaft and bracket reduces access underneath the alternator making it impossible to remove from underneath. Hopefully I can remove it from above like you said, after removing the inlet manifold.

Doesn't help with your problem Chas but. One good thing about working on X19's is all the them pain in the arse jobs on the Uno,- Now become easy. lol

Charlie - GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!