And then there was +1

[JoshIsSciFi]

Ok everybody... guess what.... got the alternator in from Wes today.... so here is a breakdown of my events after that...

Times shown are approximate until the shop times...

1300 - Alternator arrives via DHL van

1330 - Called friend for ride to Advance to pick up battery

1400 - Called friend back asking WTF he is

1430 - FINALLY friend shows up, head to Advance to pick up battery

1500 - Battery tests fine, new alt test fine

1530 - Dropped car off at friends shop to get something to eat before working on Q

1600 - Finished a rather large meal at Pizza Hut

1610 - Arrived back at shop, car is put on lift

1630 - Figure out that moving the a/c compressor is a really good idea

1645 - Cuss at placement of rear bolt on alternator

1700 - Old alt comes out, looking like sh*%

1720 - New alt is in, secured, and a/c compressor is back in its place.

1730 - Did 145mph test run on freeway to work

1731 - VERY BIG SMILE

So... there you have it....

Josh

[PalmerWMD]

Yayy!

Fred..

[Jesda]

Great news! Glad to hear the alternator worked. Thank my mom for buying it! Can you believe it was only $35 at some junkyard in Illinois?

Now, what rear bolt are you referring to? Maybe this is why I couldn't get Wes's alt out. The manual didnt talk about one, I dont think.

What kind of battery did you get? You charged it up before dropping it in, I hope.

-Jesda

[pito11213]

Unless the battery was new I would suggest getting a new battery (preferably the Optima).

Jesda there is a bolt that is very hard to get to in the back which is why they suggest mobing the AC compressor and why shops charge so much on the labor. Reinstallation can be a little tricky buy it has been suggested to use duct tape on the end of the socket to place the bolt and then thread it enough so that it will hold in place.

[JoshIsSciFi]

the battery tests out good, but HOPEFULLY next week if I have the funds in, I'll be getting the red top optima. The only thing about the alternator is, it makes a wierd sound intermittantly, the closest I can compare it to is a turbo spool at LOW rpm... I dunno

Oh, and thank God for Dave(the shop owner) never charging me to work on my car lol. He is the best mechanic I have ever known, and he never charges me a dime. I provide the lunch, and then he provides the knowledge. He says its a pretty good deal for him as well because he had never worked on a Q before, and he's learning a LOT from the VH lol. I spend more time at his shop than I do at my work per week.

[elwesso]

Josh.... Very sorry the alt didnt get there on time, i was hoping itd get there sooner!

Glad your Q is good though... I would like to hear more about that rear bolt...

[nuQ]

GOOD STUFF!!!! always great when things go smooth!!!!!