Squeal... ugh., Alternator bearing? Options

[emerygt350]

Got a squeal. It started last year, and I thought "oh, maybe just the belt". Belt is new, tightening it didn't help. Kinda goes away after the engine is hot (haven't been able to test that too much). Alternator works great. Starts to squeal as you give it a little and then stops around 2500 ish.

I still have to make sure it isn't associated with the 123distributor but if it is the alternator, what are my options? Looks like a rebuilt is around 250. Are they reliable?

[jvmarino]

I swapped out my original alternator last Fall. I was dreading it even though I have a MAXJAX 2 post lift. I took my time and spent about 2 hours taking it out 1 night and another couple of hours putting new one back in the following night. I am sure I could do it quicker now, but this felt like a relaxed pace.

There was a thread on the forum with a step-by-step description, but it seemed much easier because there were no HE's installed or heater ducts. I had to re-familiarize myself with the heating equipment as I had not dug into it since assembling the car 30 years ago, so that added some time in the beginning.

I also struggled with the cooling air elbow. First I didn't realize there was an internal spring wire holding it into the engine fan case, and then when I installed the new elbow I received from 914rubber, it seems to be the wrong size for my year and the boot would not secure to the fan case opening too well. I kept messing with that to get to a point I felt it would stay secured.

It was very helpful to not be on a time line for completion so I could be relaxed about the whole process.

[emerygt350]

I swapped out my original alternator last Fall. I was dreading it even though I have a MAXJAX 2 post lift. I took my time and spent about 2 hours taking it out 1 night and another couple of hours putting new one back in the following night. I am sure I could do it quicker now, but this felt like a relaxed pace.

There was a thread on the forum with a step-by-step description, but it seemed much easier because there were no HE's installed or heater ducts. I had to re-familiarize myself with the heating equipment as I had not dug into it since assembling the car 30 years ago, so that added some time in the beginning.

I also struggled with the cooling air elbow. First I didn't realize there was an internal spring wire holding it into the engine fan case, and then when I installed the new elbow I received from 914rubber, it seems to be the wrong size for my year and the boot would not secure to the fan case opening too well. I kept messing with that to get to a point I felt it would stay secured.

It was very helpful to not be on a time line for completion so I could be relaxed about the whole process.

Thanks for the information. I have looked at that excellent write up and slapshots video. Gonna take it slow and not rush, it looks like the most frustrating bits are really if you are in a hurry.