I’m scratching my head here wondering why this job was so hard on you.

A couple of weeks ago I had to remove mine to be able to remove the alternator bracket and file down the aluminum that was welded onto the bracket because of a crack. Removing the alternator took me about 30 minutes and I did go through the trouble of draining the coolant, removing the fans, the supercharger belt, the serpentine belt, the supercharger belt tensioner, and the idler pulley.

Admittedly, the first time I went through this, it took me 4 hours because the idler pulley bolt had the threads stretched and was seized. That’s what caused the crack. You bet I used anti-seize on every bolt to prevent that from happening again.

 

GD,

Job isn’t that hard, and well documented here on the Forum. Failed first time and chose the worst time of year to try again. It’s the heat and humidity here that makes it tough. Once it hits 40degC or 100degF plus, with the humidity, any little job becomes 2x or 3x worst. When sweat drips down your arms onto your hands, things become slippery and that’s when I call it off for the day.

As for electrical work, Thermos (who works in submarines) gave a good tip to keep your head to the side so dripping sweat from your head/nose doesn’t interfere with what you’re working on.

I’m almost there.... Back at it tomorrow.

 

Well finished today and new alternator puts 14.2V at idle, during initial start up, compared to the previous 13.5V I got before. Let’s see if the car has any hick ups in the heat when new alternator is Hot!

Did hit one one problem during re-assembly and that was the VVT connector broke.



Anyone has any idea what type of connector this is? Jury rigged a temp fix but I want to fix this properly.

 

In July 2018 I ordered two of those VVT solenoid connectors for my wife's 2006 XK8 from rockauto.com. They were branded "Airtex/Wells" and the part number was 1P1792. Just over $9 each. Perfect fit and no soldering required. I believe they are applicable for all XK8 model years but be sure to doublecheck that before you source them....

 

As I recall, when I replaced my alternator I had to remove the oil filter for access so I did an oil change at the same time. I don't recall any particular difficulty other than that.

 

Stu,

I did my service in May So was reluctant to remove oil filter as the shops were shut here for the Eid Public Holiday - didn’t want to reuse old motor oil. Didn’t need to either.

Key problem I had previously was the alternator’s bottom bolt but this time the new-ish impact tool broke it loose. Had room at the bolt head as I had the fan pack out.

Still car runs better now on long drives. And the good news is that I lost 3.5kg in weight due to sweating in the garage. Reminded me of my younger days when I boxed and had to lose weight fast for the weigh-in. This time I went through tonnes of isotonic drink as I worked (and beer afterwards).

So if you have a Jag, expect to be crawling around, stretching (and cursing), contortions, etc. It’s a good work out.