Alternator bracket
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Portage Michigan
Alternator bracket
I have a 1981 Corvette and the alternator bracket is located right above the steering fluid cap and thus, the cap can not be taken off. Does anyone have any permanent fix ideas?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 219
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville Florida
I have the same problem with mine, but it can come off if you reach in from behind the pump and hold the cap from in front of the pump with your other hand. With the two hands you can loosen the cap and slide it out from the front. It is tricky to do but just be slow and steady so you don't drop the cap. It goes back in the reverse order. Be patient and it beats loosening the altinator each time you want to check the fluid.
Les
Les
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have the same problem with mine, but it can come off if you reach in from behind the pump and hold the cap from in front of the pump with your other hand. With the two hands you can loosen the cap and slide it out from the front. It is tricky to do but just be slow and steady so you don't drop the cap. It goes back in the reverse order. Be patient and it beats loosening the altinator each time you want to check the fluid.
Les
Les
It's tough, but it can be done. Just keep a fresh cold beer handy to treat yourself to a good job when you've finished. 
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 688
Likes: 1
From: Stevens Point WI
Ran into that problem also when I was setting up my brackets
I just welded in a brace that gave the upper brackets support and you can not even see it when you look down on the motor
Cap works great without any problems and belt tension stays great
http://community.webshots.com/album/...host=community
I just welded in a brace that gave the upper brackets support and you can not even see it when you look down on the motor
Cap works great without any problems and belt tension stays great
http://community.webshots.com/album/...host=community
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 667
From: Northeast
Once you get the cap off then you have to check the fluid level. Some will stick their finger in, or a screwdriver or you could try this. Bend an old oil dip stick to match the cap. Make a line for cold, and hot. Rest the stick on the top of the reservoir cap and slide out to read. silly but it works. 
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That's not silly, that's a good home made tool. Oh, and that's a sign of a good car guy...when he makes his own tools.