QuestionDear Mr. Finston:
I happened on to you through a google search. Here's my question: I have a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan, equipped with the 3.8 liter V-6. I am trying to figure out how to get the alternator out of the vehicle, as it needs to be replaced. Does the metal bracket that bolts to the side motor mount need to be removed to do this? If you could give me a quick rundown as to what I need to remove, I'd appreciate it. I've worked on my own cars for over 20 years, but never had an alternator stuffed into such a tight spot before.
Thanks,
Don
AnswerHi Don,
I don't believe the bracket that bolts to the motor mount needs to be removed, but there are other tricks. I have the '93 shop manual which describes how to do it with the 3.3L and I have the Haynes that covers the 3.3/3.8L for '96-99 and they read about the same. Let me give you the one from the '93 Chrysler shop manual:
1.Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the alternator drive belt
3. Loosen, but do not remove, the nut on the support bracket at the exhaust manifold. (this is on the rear of the engine where the bracket is attached to one of the exhaust manifold studs).
4. Remove the alternator tensioner power steering bracket bolt.
5. Remove the tensioner stud nut and the tensioner.
6. Remove the 2 alternator mounting bolts.
7. Remove and position the power steering reservoir from the alternator mounting bracket. Do not remove the hose from the reservoir.
8. Remove the 3 alternator support bracket bolts.
9. Remove intake plenum-to-alternator mounting bracket bolt
10. Remove alternator support bracket.
11. Position alternator and remove alternator wiring.
12. Remove alternator!
Again this is for the 3.3L and is from the '93 van manual but it appears to apply to the 3.8L as well. Installation is the reverse, tighten the mounting bolts to 40 ft-lbs.
I could xerox and snail mail you the drawings. Or you might get a copy of the drawings at a Chrysler dealer parts department which often have exploded views to help them identify parts.
Roland
