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HI
I was wondering how the heck do you remove the alternator on a 4 cyl MX-3
I am trying to replace the alternator on a friend's car and does not come out. The bolts are removed as well as wires. I heard you have to remove the ac line at the firewall. Won't gas come out if I unscrew the line?
Thanks

I don't have AC on my RS model, but as far as I know it shouldn't be in the way.
There are 2 bolts that hold the alternator on. One at the top in a rail (for adjustment) and one on the bottom for a pivot point.

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After you remove both of those bolts, it will come out through the top with a lot of fuss. Especially if you have extra lines (like A/C). The Chilton manual I have says to remove the bolts and lower it through the bottom of the engine bay. It will clear the CV axles easy.
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That should be all the info you need. PM if there's anything else you need.

Thank you.
I had no luck trying to remove through the bottom. Maybe if I remove the catalytic convertor it will work.
Anyways I will tryagain through the bottom. Maybe there is something I did not do right

It's just a whoore...there's no secret. Through the bottom is easier in my experience with the 4cyl cars. I recall having to remove parts to get mine out.

mine came out the top without removing anything else

thanks for everyone's input. I ended up disconnecting the exhaust from the downpipe. It, of course, just fell through. The problem with that car is that being in the rustbelt, some bolts are really rounded. But nothing resists some PB blaster( amazing stuff) and a pair of visegrips

heh... recently had the alternator replaced and one of the places the bolts threaded in was worn out (said the mechanic) so it took quite a while to rig up a nut bolt system to get it properly mounted again.

at least you didn't replace it with the V6 alt, it is actually a little bigger. my stock one came right out but took an hour to get the 90 amp in

im looking to swap out my rs alt for the v6 alt...aside from the pulley the faq says "Mounting bolts attach from the opposite side" does that mean just what it says?...anything i should expect when i do this swap? anything extra i might need?

You will need somthing to use on the backside for the bolts. I have the actual mount from the V6 that I use. I always said I would replace it someday but never got arround to it.

kakarot135 - when you say something for the back of the bolts what do you mean exactly?..like a bracket or nut? thanx

Yeah, you need a bracket or nut for the bolt to terminate into, If I remember correctly the 4cyl alternator has threaded holes to bolt into the 6 Cyl does not. I just kept the 6Cyl mount and have that attached right now.

Jason

gotcha...thanx kakarot135...ill attempt the swap soon...