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1979 alternator bracket question

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Old May 6, 2019 | 05:57 PM
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Default 1979 alternator bracket question

I’ve owned this car since last September and I have been fixing various incorrect and incompetent things ever since. In some ways the car was very well taken care of and in other ways it seems bubba the back yard mechanic had his hands on it over the years. Anyway, I go to check the power steering fluid and the cap is so close to the lower alternator mount that there is no way to remove the cap to check or add fluid, is this an incorrect alternator mount/bracket? And what the hell is that piece of chain doing there? One end is connected to the lower alternator mount, the other end looks to be bolted to the upper A-arm for some reason.


Old May 6, 2019 | 08:31 PM
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The chain is to hold the engine down in case the motor mount breaks. Not needed with the newer style motor mounts.
Old May 6, 2019 | 11:13 PM
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My 79 alternator bracket is just like that. I have a shorter power steering pump belt that angles it in slightly just enough to remove the cap.
Old May 7, 2019 | 09:19 AM
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Interesting, seems like a really poor design. thanks for the tip, I'll get a shorter belt
Old May 7, 2019 | 06:02 PM
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First time I ever checked my P.S. fluid, I too said WTH? Now, I can do it blindfolded. The reason being that C3s need constant fluid rez check on PS leaks.
Your PS cap is the perfect distance away from the bracket. Just twist and angle, out. After a week or so, you too will be able to remove the cap blindfolded. Not like you can see it anyway.

As far as filling the PS rez, use a very long transmission funnel to slip in there.

Last edited by HeadsU.P.; May 7, 2019 at 06:07 PM.
Old Sep 27, 2024 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Gralls4771
I’ve owned this car since last September and I have been fixing various incorrect and incompetent things ever since. In some ways the car was very well taken care of and in other ways it seems bubba the back yard mechanic had his hands on it over the years. Anyway, I go to check the power steering fluid and the cap is so close to the lower alternator mount that there is no way to remove the cap to check or add fluid, is this an incorrect alternator mount/bracket? And what the hell is that piece of chain doing there? One end is connected to the lower alternator mount, the other end looks to be bolted to the upper A-arm for some reason.

the power steering cap is always tough to get out , the chain is someone’s silly idea
Old Sep 27, 2024 | 05:14 PM
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I run a slightly longer belt on my PS pump. Which helps to reach cap under alternator.
Yes chain is a back up for if / when motor mount fails. Was a issue back in the 60's. Was corrected late 60's. Bubba didn't know.
Old Sep 29, 2024 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Gralls4771
Interesting, seems like a really poor design. thanks for the tip, I'll get a shorter belt
Seems OP got his answer 5 years ago.

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