84 civic dx - can't get alternator out of engine compartment

[David F]

The alternator in my 1984 2door civic dx hatchback died. I got it unbolted and the electrical connectors unhooked. The problem is that I can't get it out of the engine compartment! It's too big to fit between any available space.
When I had the car looked at when it first died, the mechanic said that you have to take the axle out. I didn't believe him and decided to do it myself.
It looks like there are 3 options.
1) if I disconnect the exhaust pipe and header, I might be able to pull the alternator out through the bottom of the car.
2) removing the axle would make enough room, but I don't know how to do that
3) unbolting the mounting bracket from the engine block would make enough room to pull the alternator out through the wheel well.

This is a really cramped engine compartment and I don't know how to go about this. Anybody done this before on this model? There's not enough room to pull it out of the top of the car, as the intake, and master cylander are in the way.

Is there some trick to this?

[jwaj2002]

you should be able to push it back and get it out from underneath between the back of the block and the firewall, thats how I did it, jack the car up and wrestle it free

[David F]

I've got the car up on jackstands. It doesn't seem to fit through. There is a gap that would be lare enough, but the exhaust pipe seems to be in the way. I'll try again tonight.

[Figori]

It takes a bit of skill and patience to get these alternators out. You have to flip/turn/spin it until it falls through. Trust me.. I've replaced mine about 3 times... Take patience. And once you figure it out, it will almost fall out for you. Good luck!

[David F]

Ok, I'll try it tonight. Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes.

[David F]

AHH HA HA HA HA!!!! SUCCESS!!
Thank you, jwaj2002 and Figori!

Details (for other people in my situation) while it's still fresh in my mind:
There's a gap between the firewall and engine block, right above the tailpipe that it drops down through. I believe pulley side down. It'll be wedged between the axle and tailpipe. Then rotate it so the pulley points down and toward the driver's side wheel, and a little towards the back of the car. Then tug. The joint between the tailpipe and header has just enough give (thanks to the two springs in the joint) to let the alternator pull through.

Now to get a new one and install it...later. I'm done for the night.

[David F]

Got the new one in yesterday. That was also pretty tricky. I ended up using something to help pry the exhaust pipe down to give me more room. It took a while, but I got it!