Topic

ALTERNATOR REMOVAL

The location of the alternator on MGF/TFs with aircon is slightly different to cars without, it is higher up with the aircon compressor in the traditional alternator location.

Before starting work disconnect the battery (or remove the alternator fuse on later cars - located on the rear of the engine bay).

To access the alternator one has to remove the engine cover.
Once off you will see this.



To remove the belt undo and withdraw the nut and bolt within the purple circle,
loosen the bolt and nut below the alternator (this has to be done by feel (bolt is 17mm and towards the exhaust, nut is 15mm and by belt).
The alternator will tilt towards the front of the car and release the tension on the belt.

To remove the alternator you will then need to remove the top mount by removing the nut in the blue circle and the bolt in the orange circle.
Also slide out the lower bolt (to get this out you may need to remove the heat shield).

Don't forget the electrical connections, early cars have 2 x 13mm nuts holding them in place, later cars have 1 x 13mm nut and a plug.

The alternator should then lift out.

Refitting is the reverse of removal.

BELT ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the belt you have to chock, raise and secure the car on axle stands, remove the O/S/R wheel and the splash guard (where fitted).

You will then see this.



Loosen the 12mm nut (red circle) inside the tension wheel 1/4 of a turn.
Turn the 13mm bolt (green circle) until there is 9 to 10 mm of play on the belt directly below the tensioner wheel (yellow mark).
Then retighten the 12mm nut (red circle).

Nice one, mate!