Trying to remove the alternator from a 1999 XK8.
Taking it out through the top.
How much "brute force" is needed as suggested in some of the search results.
It has moved maybe 10mm up and stuck solid.
It rotates relatively easy, but won't come up and out.
I tried a winch on it and still wouldn't budge. I didn't want to over strain with the winch as the engine was starting to lift.

The mention of the bush on the lower mount in search posts say it need to be re-positioned after the alternator is out.
Can this bush be so far out of position that you can't get it out in the first place?
I can't see that bush from the top, so I don't know what I am looking for.

I will jack the front up on the weekend and have a look at that bottom mount.
Again, what is the brute force needed without breaking the alternator?

 

Just be careful that you don't end up doing this:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...01-xk8-206103/

 

When I replaced the alternator on my '99 I went in through the bottom and top. The top bolt (I think) is from the rear so note their positions.
I recall I had to wiggle the alternator to free it but not a bad job at all compared to the other tasks.

 

+1 on Marie's comments.

so now you have all bolts out, trying to free and lift alternator out?

john

 

Ron, I saw that in the searches. So I'm aware of the oil sensor and filter are close by.

John. Correct.
The bolts were easy. The alternator is stiff to rotate and I rotated and lifted for a good 15 minutes and it has moved about half the hole.
Many, many choices words did not help.

 

There is a sleeve in the rear lower alternator mount that is meant to move laterally and take up any slack when the alternator securing bolts are tightened up. Once it's been in place for a few years it won't retract easily.

You need a means to push it back into the mount. Some have engineered a puller from a long threaded bolt, some large washers and a socket to allow the sleeve to slide into. I managed by using a pivot ball joint breaker:- there's just enough room to get one in there. It still needed a gentle tap from a BFH to get it to move, mind.

HTH,
Mike

 

When I replaced mine, what I did was wiggle it back and fourth, not rotating it on the pivot of the bolt, but toward the radiator and back. I also used a small pry bar from underneath the car to gently persuade it to come out. It actually took me a few days of this to get it out. Once out the new one was a straightforward replacement. However, I did actually file down the lower mounting out just enough for it to easily slide back into position. Probably not the correct way of doing it however it has worked for a year and a half with no issues.

 

That sleeve is what I believe is my problem.
I am having trouble vizualising how a puller will move the sleeve back with the alternator in place.
Wouldn't the sleeve be the same size as the bolt hole?
What am I missing?

The Alternator definitely won't move front to back to wriggle it out. Definitely tight.

 

Mark this may help you visualize it. See 1:32 and 3:40 [timestamps] in the video. It shows what you are dealing with.
Watch "Alternateur Jaguar XK8" on YouTube
John

 

Another good link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-stuck-91804/

 

Sorry Mark, watching the video shows that my memory has failed again. I must have used the balljoint splitter to retract the sleeve after removing the alternator

Suggest getting something between the alt. casting and the mount to apply some sideways pressure while pivoting it back and forth. I managed to do the job on my own - although it sounds as if yours is piched rather more tightly.

 

Well.
That is a tight mother.
Couldn't get it out so I had to try and line it up again. That was a bugger of a job too.
Finally got everything back together. But still haven't fixed my alternator problem.
Back to square one.
I will have to see a professional who does these all the time. They must strike tight alternators all the time and may have something "special" to move that bush before removing a tight alternator.

The only thing to come out of this drama was that I found a cut wire to the RH wheel sensor under the airbox.
So no more constant ABS and TC light and warning display.

 

Mark, Sorry you are having so much trouble and having to put it back before I saw this.
The bolt that came out just goes threw that hole in the bushing, so a small 1/4 inch socket just a little larger should catch the edges and give you a clear shot at getting it out. Use a 1/4 inch long bolt or threaded rod the right length, nut on bushing side and double nut on the other, if you are using threaded rod, if a bolt even better. Start tightening the nut on the bushing side and holding the nut on the other. That will draw the bush into the alternator to clear the hole.
Wayne