1990 CRX Alternator exchange

[GeneHer]

Few weeks back I heard a "pop" on start, alternator light came on. Stayed on for four seconds. Went out again. Started smelling burning bakelite (electronic odor).

Opened the hood, where the odor was quite strong.

Decided that the "easiest" course would be to remove the alternator and test it. I have a friend who rebuilds them so I can be sure if this component is the problem or not. Sure hope so.

The alternator is buried, like much else on Hondas, under or around something. I was able to reach in and remove the top adjustment bolt. The bottom hold down bolt required the use of a 9/16" socket as it was quite rusted. I guess Honda never heard of road salt?

Since I've never touched an alternator on a Honda I assumed that they are always "tight" in the clamp. Turns out that the hold down bolt was rusted into place.

I was forced to remove it by taking off the driver's side wheel and hammering on the threaded side of the bolt with a drift. After a few hits it began to move and then came out pretty easily after that.

Of course I couldn't get the alternator out. I tried removing the upper alternator bracket but this did not give me enough room.

I read about removing the driver's side axle, jacking up the engine and letting the alternator fall out. Considered removing the alternator hold down bracket to give me clearance. Mind you, I am doing this in the street not on a lift.

I was finally able to remove one coolant hose (one that attaches to the bottom side of the intake manifold, just under the fuel injector assembly). The alternator passed through the opening.

Thought I'd post this in case anyone has been having problems with this procedure.

Additional warning - I managed to crush the upper core of the radiator by leaning on it. Either I'm too big to be doing such things or the radiator is badly aged. In either case looks like I'll be needing a new radiator too. I did a brief inspection and the fins looked corroded so I'm not completely upset about it.

Gene