147 TS alternator removal

[Crank]

After giving my 147 2.0TS a two month rest the alternator has seized! Whats the best way to remove it from its hiding place without removing the engine ? Any advice would be appreciated.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Crank.
It’s possible from underneath. But if you’re tackling the job from above It helps to remove the inlet plenum. it’s a right pain in the Arris. Either way. It helps if you remove the RH front wheel and the small part of the arch liner (if still fitted) this helps give access to the big bottom bolt. The inlet plenum is pretty easy to remove once you got the support bracket removed. there is a bit of technique to it. Is your engine a CF1 (alloy cam cover or a CF2 Plastic) the plastic plenum is a bit fiddlier but it can be done. Make sure you don’t drop anything down the inlet holes whilst it’s off (that would be silly) You certainly don’t need to remove the engine

Lou

[Crank]

Thanks Lou. I new I could rely on you for a detailed reply.The car is a 2003 Lusso with the plastic engine cover. Fortunately the weather is mild this week as the car is outside. I will let you know how I get on.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

The plastic plenum is a little fiddlier as it’s a bit bigger than the aluminium CF1 unit. there’s a support bracket that hold the plenum and is bolted to the block. this is best removed from below. one other tip is to remove the engine top steady this can help to create more room by pulling the engine forward slightly. Sadly there’s a bit of a knack to it and it’s difficult to explain all the small nuances. I’m sure you sort it but just shout if you need any more hints.

[Crank]

Well it came off eventually. What a crap job, I think I will raise the Titanic next weekend as that will be easier.
Heres a photo of the angle you need to get the plenum at for it to be pulled out. Note the damage to the plastic fins as thats how tight the gap is if you don't loosen the lower engine mounts.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Cranky. OOPs. I should have said it’s easier if you feed the plenum in from the gearbox end and then do a rotatey sort of motion to get the plenum on to the inlet rubbers. Soz !!!

[Crank]

OK, well I will do that when I put it back on. I have a cam shaft sensor error code at the moment and as the exhaust cam pulley has to come off to change the sensor, I may as well do the belts, pulleys and water pump as well.
This is going to cost me more than I paid for the car!