470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

[tc123]

I need to remove the alternator/flywheel from my 1987 180hp 470 in order to replace the water pump cover (a few of the mounting bolts are behind the flywheel). I discovered a broken tab on the water pump cover from the PO. It must have broken when he installed the upper bracket for the alternator conversion kit on the bolt for the pump cover. The problem is I only have about 4" or 5" of clearance between the face of the alternator and the engine compartment/floor. Is this enough room to fit a puller/installation tool or do I have to raise/pull the engine to do this? Now that I disturbed this bolt in order to fix an alternator alignment problem it leaks a small amount of coolant.

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

I have had to remove the engine to get to the pulley several times when there isn't room, You always want to use the removal tool, but you also need the installation tool for putting it back on. They take more room in front than the puller.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

The answer is maybe. There are three threaded holes in the rotor, if they are high enough to get the puller bolts in you should have enough room. I borrowed a puller from autozone and it worked OK even though it was pretty close to the floor. Putting it back on is a little more difficult, I used the puller/installer, but had to make a spacer to get it to work. Or you could use a long threaded 1/2 inch fine thread bolt, with a nut and some washers to pull it back on. You do not want to drive it on. Here is the manual link: http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/mercruiser8.html#/152 Good luck. FYI, I did the same thing, be sure to use a torque wrench when reinstalling the cover. Good luck.

 

[tc123]

Re: 470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

Thank you both for your response/advice. One thought, is it possible to raise just the front of the motor in order to gain clearance for the tools?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: 470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

You will want to pull the outdrive off first. It wouldn't be good for the coupler and/or the gimbal bearing

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Alternator/Flywheel Removal

I wouldn't raise it more than an inch even if you do take the drive off. Don't forget those rear mounts are going to be twisting as well, along with the exhaust hoses.

Might want to read the blue text in my signature.


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