replacing a 95 alternator

My buddy has a 95 lincoln continental with a 8 Cylinder 4.6L and he needs to replace his alternator. I havent looked at the car but from what I'm told the alternator is right on the top on the passengers side but he said he doesn't see how to get to it. If anyone could give him some quick advice it would be appreciated, I would look at it but my next off day isnt until monday and he needs to get it done by friday so I'm no help.

Any help would be appreciated he said the shop quoted him at over $800. The alt only costs $155 with core. RIP OFF if you ask me but I guess the shops gotta make a profit also.

It's a bit awkward to work in there, espesially on the front of the engine but you are correct, the Alternator is one of the top end components with only two things in the way....

The Power steering fluid Reservoir and the Coolant Recovery Bottle need to be dis-mounted and set aside.

The Alternator is 'solid mounted' meaning is not on a pivot mount for belt adjustment. The belt is the serpentine, single belt with a separate tensioner.

There is one solid mount bracket on the top of the Alternator that gets completely removed, then two more bolts from the lower end of the Alternator to the front of the engine.

Wires disconnect, and it's out.. :)

Reverse all that and it's back in :)

The belt tensioner has it's own story, but it's not rocket science either.

I'll post some of the drawings from the book if you're interested.

Ok so he has to remove the power steering pump and the coolant resovoir. And its out?

How long to you think this job would take?

Ok so he has to remove the power steering pump and the coolant resovoir. And its out?

How long to you think this job would take?

Not the PS Pump -- according to the book here, there's a separate PS Fluid Reservoir, that and the Coolant Reservoir gets moved aside.

As for time, I've not messed with a Conti yet so I can't imagine what that's like with the engine facing the wrong way however; it's best to set out into new territory on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, that way you'll be sure to have it tightly wrapped up by Sunday.

I'm 100% confident I'd have the job done in 2 or 3 hours, including prep. and wrap up. It may be necessary to remove the right-front tire /wheel to get a good view of the front of the engine, I can't say for sure.

Thanks I'll foreward your advice to him.

I'll update on his progress.

Alternator replaced thanks everyone.

First he tried it alone but got lazy so I went and helped him. Not bad got it out in about 30min. Went and got a new one had that in in about another 30. Then we found out we had another bad one and they only had one at pep boys.

They tried not to refund our money because they couldn't bench test it. (i still dont know how they cant test something they sell) talked them into a refund got another one from autozone. got this one in in under 15.

Now new problems have shown up.
(link for anyone interested in helping)
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=4669826#post4669826