Expert: Brad Sears - 3/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi, I would like to know how to go about changing the alternator on a 1970 Cadillac Coupe Deville?

ANSWER: The first thing to do when replacing an alternator is to disconnect the battery. The large wire on the alternator is hot all the time.Label and disconnect the wires. There should be two mounting bolts. The smaller one is also the adjuster and attaches the alternator to the slide bracket also allows the alternator to  be moved to adjust the belt. The larger one is the main mounting bolt. Installing the alternator is just the reverse procedure. On some older generator models we had to polarize the generator but we do not need to polarize alternators.
Brad.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much brad! I have the alternator loose, but my problem is lifting the alternator from under the hood because it seems like the air conditioner hose that goes across the top of the alternator is stiff and I can't move it out of the way to get the alternator out without disconnecting it; I never had to disconnect the air conditioner hose before. What could I be missing brad?

Note: I have removed the alternator before, but its been such a long time!

Answer
Sound like old age has set in and the hose has lost it's flexibilty. It might have to be disconnected, if so have an A/C shop do it and do not vent the refrigerant to air. If you have to do that it would be a good time to convert the A/C system to the new R 134A refrigerant.
Brad