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I am trying to remove the alternator in order to replace the condenser,
which is well and truly stuck in. However the alternator refuses to
move at all as if it is welded down? The clamp lever has been loosen
and prised open a way and the bolt holding the clamp lever in position
has been wound out, but no movement at all, up or rotational! I have
even tried moving the flywheel on a bit to see if it is sticking there
but no joy. Surely this is not normal? Is it likely to have stuck down
with muck and age or am I missing something?
What have other people encountered?

Jon

'76 710M 62,000km

I live in Wales, but come "from off"

First off it is obvious you are not familliar with the components of your engine The alternator has a fan and is part of the charging system, what you are describing is called an ignition distributor.
To free up a stuck distributor you need to soak the area around its base with penetrant and let it sit overnight, then take a large screw driver and a hammer to tap it in each direction till it frees up.
Once out, you will need to clean the bore and replace the seal before re installing. Use visegrips to clamp onto the old condenser twist and pull to remove it or drive it out with a punch.
It is a pain, but once freed up and greased, it should stay freed up

Jim LaGuardia wrote:First off it is obvious you are not familliar with the components of your engine The alternator has a fan and is part of the charging system, what you are describing is called an ignition distributor.

Oops! I'm so frazzled trying to take the ignition distributor off I could forget I even owned the beast! I originally needed to just remove the alternater as that doesn't appear to be charging, depite a complete overhaul by an auto-electrician 4 mths ago. That's off to the shop tomorrow.

Thanks for the advice.

Jon

'76 710M 62,000km
________________
I live in Wales, but come "from off"

Better yet, instal a Pertronix ignitor in it and forget about the condenser.

todds112 wrote:Better yet, instal a Pertronix ignitor in it and forget about the condenser.

sure makes life with the pinz a little easier.

Before removing the alternator, check the Molex connector and the wires going into the plug on the voltage regulator.

that's a LAME plug. mine was messed up.

Thank you all for you advice and help. The distributor moved a bit but never came out, but I did manage to relace the capacitor. In the end I had to call out the local auto electrician and it turned out to be molex connector

Jon