914/6 alternator change out., Replace alternator. Options

[914Toy]

As most of you know, removing/installing an alternator in our 6's without dropping the engine is a challenge, due to the engine firewall and fan shroud minimum access configuration. I have accomplished this in the past with the aid of a good sized hatch in the firewall - even so, it was still a challenge.

My alternator failed (probably voltage regulator problem) on the way to the recent "Unstock event". Fortunately Pelican Parts suggested I return this 175 amp (WASP) alternator under warranty (installed a year ago) for full value replacement with a new one. The high amp is to accommodate the electric AC i have installed in my car.

It took a couple of weeks to complete return and delivery of the alternators. During this time started by the challenge of removing the used alternator, I decided to research and make modifications to the fan shroud to accommodate an easier exchange of the alternator. I did not find much in my research, so i proceeded to modify the fibre glass shroud cover to give access to the alternator. The following pics show what I did, and after a test run proved as successful.


Shows where I cut (Dremel with thin cutting wheel) the fibre glass shroud.

Shows the piece removed.



Shows the strips of thin aluminum sheet riveted to both sides of the shroud piece, with a 1/4" overlap to sandwich the large remaining shroud edge in place.


Shows access to the alternator and it's wiring before returning the now removable piece of shroud for such access.


Finished installation.

This was worth the effort, which greatly reduced the challenge of remove/replace alternators in our 914/6's.

[roblav1]

Why can't you remove the entire fan shroud? 12 carb nuts, throttle, and fuel disconnect sure seems easier than cutting the shroud.

[Luke M]

Why can't you remove the entire fan shroud? 12 carb nuts, throttle, and fuel disconnect sure seems easier than cutting the shroud.

It's a big PIA either way. For us that have done this in the car know how much of a pain it is. Yeah you could pull the whole upper end off and remove the shroud with the alt housing. I for one would rather just drop the engine. I can have the engine on the ground and alt off by the time you would have the fan housing ready to come off.
Been there, done that so I know which is faster. If you look at the 3.6 shrouds it looks similar to what 914toy did to his. Nice job..