It was a bugger, but I was able to get at these nuts with a socket attached
to a 3/8" drive "u-joint" attachment.  The "u-joint" was connected to the
wrench by a short extension.  If anyone has a better name than "u-joint" for
this gizmo I'd be glad to know it.  It allows you to turn sockets around
corners, more or less.

J.Peter
'85 Transporter "Snugvagon"

>From: Roger Bowman <bowmanrp@EARTHLINK.NET>
>Reply-To: Roger Bowman <bowmanrp@EARTHLINK.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Oil filler tube - disconnect at block?
>Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1999 18:06:39 -0700
>
>Due to an off-balance alternator, I must disconnect the oil filler tube
>where it connects to the crankcase.
>
>Let me explain...
>
>I own a 1990 Synchro Westie, 175k miles (not too much head leakage...) that
>seems to have too much vibration coming from the alternator.  This
>vibration
>has manifested itself by snapping the fasteners that hold the alternator
>bracket to the block.  Both bolts have snapped off more or less flush with
>the surface of the block.
>
>Removing the alternator and bracket shows the two snapped fasteners;
>getting
>the upper of the two is easier with a right-angle drive for the drill; this
>hole has been drilled, and heli-coiled.
>
>The lower of the two holes is virtually inaccessible with a drill, and the
>usual (too clever) techniques to loosen the broken and seized fastener have
>been unsuccessful  And why is the lower hole not accessible?  Because the
>oil filler tube gets in the way.  (Rats!)
>
>I suppose I have 2 alternatives; bend the tube out of the way, or remove
>it.
>
>My first attempt at removal has shown that the 2 studs holding the tube in
>the block are also inaccessible.
>
>I must assume SOMEONE else has had to remove this tube for some reason;
>what
>combination of tools and approaches did you use?  Is this tube removable
>"in
>situ"?  How else can I get a drill at the lower bolt on the alternator
>bracket?  Arghh....
>
>I'm stuck...
>
>Roger Bowman - bowmanrp@ earthlink.net
>Live Smart.  Think for Yourself.  Transform the Future

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