Hi,
Very sorry to hear about your extreme troubles with the 1.9 alternator
bracket. Luckily I've not had my alternator bracket break (knock on wood).

I just wanted to mention that I and a few other list members run our
alternator/water pump belt adjusted to the loose side of 1/2 inch deflection
for hopefully longer water pump life span. I don't know if this would make a
difference with your trouble, just wanted to mention it.

Mark Ingalls
85 GL
75 Beetle

>From: Steve Sullivan <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
>Reply-To: Steve Sullivan <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: HELP! Another Broken Alternator Mount
>Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 11:17:38 -0700
>
>Hey y'all, been lurking on the digest lately.
>
>My alternator mount has broken for the forth time in less than a year,
>today. I've got the 1.9 leaker and the bolts/studs holding the alternator
>mounting bracket to the engine block keep breaking. The last time, a
>"mechanic" screwed up removing the broken studs, leading to an unneeded
>$1000 engine rebuild. Now, less than 3,000 miles since the reputable
>rebuild
>shop welded the holes shut, and drilled new holes, the bolts have sheared
>off again.
>
>I even added the 2.1L extra brace to help, it snapped too.  The only thing
>holding my alternator to the motor for who knows how long is the adjustment
>bracket.
>
>Does anyone know how I can prevent this from happening every three months?
>Are other 1.9l folk having the same problem? I'm even using extra-strong
>stainless studs, they just snap off. Do I have some kind of awful engine
>vibration? How could I fix that?
>
>Help, I can't keep fixing this every time I change my  oil!!
>
>Many thanks,
>
>Steve
>
>
>Steve Sullivan
>Off the Map Consulting
>1326 S. 13th St.
>Mount Vernon, WA 98274
>360-428-7018
>steveis@speakeasy.org

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