Tips for changing Alternator and Starter??

[jodom15sc]

Well I got a new battery about 6 months ago and now my truck is slowly taking longer and longer to start; tonight it took a good 2/3 seconds and sputtered the whole time but just couldn't get that one good kick to actually start. I did a tune up 6/7 months ago too so I know its not that.

So long story short just gonna change out my alt. and starter tomorrow for the first time in 135xxx miles, so the 2 basic questions I got are...

1.To change the the starter do I really need to lift the truck up on a lift or can I just go at it under my truck in the garage?

2.On the alt. I know I have to remove the serpentine belt on it, I can just use a 3/8 ratchet to loosen it until I put the new alt. on and slip the belt back over and just tighten it as tight as I can get it right?

other then that just any little first timer tips?

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

do NOT forget to disconnect the negative battery cable.

you can get to the starter with the truck on the ground.

if your serp. belt is auto-tensioned you'll just need to put the belt back on.

if its not auto-tensioned then you don't want to put the belt on too tight or it will destroy the belt driven components bearings

and remember.. the bolts don't need a death grip on them, about a 1/4 turn from flush is plenty

 

[d_man1]

Well I got a new battery about 6 months ago and now my truck is slowly taking longer and longer to start; tonight it took a good 2/3 seconds and sputtered the whole time but just couldn't get that one good kick to actually start. I did a tune up 6/7 months ago too so I know its not that.

So long story short just gonna change out my alt. and starter tomorrow for the first time in 135xxx miles, so the 2 basic questions I got are...

1.To change the the starter do I really need to lift the truck up on a lift or can I just go at it under my truck in the garage?

2.On the alt. I know I have to remove the serpentine belt on it, I can just use a 3/8 ratchet to loosen it until I put the new alt. on and slip the belt back over and just tighten it as tight as I can get it right?

other then that just any little first timer tips?

1. your good.

2. tension pully (sp?) will loosen the serpentine belt and take it off all the way. while your at it check to c if it needs to be replaced to

 

[jodom15sc]

alright guys sound good, I was 90% sure I could do both but just wanted to check.

As for the tensioner thats just simply a bolt to change it and since its a automatic tensioner what do I need to look for tomorrow to see if its still is decent shape?

 

[snake]

Just look for cracks and damage on the belt, the tensioner itself just check the bearing and make sure it isn't too loose or binding. On the serp belt, you should have a sticker under the hood somewhere showing the routing. If not you may want to draw it on paper before you take it off. If the new alternator doesn't charge there is a small fuse that sometimes blows (like 10amp) as well as a bigger fuse. Check it before assuming the alt is bad...

 

[d_man1]

alright guys sound good, I was 90% sure I could do both but just wanted to check.

As for the tensioner thats just simply a bolt to change it and since its a automatic tensioner what do I need to look for tomorrow to see if its still is decent shape?

dont be affraid to put some weight on it either bro..... forgot what size socket i used, but set yourself up to where you can push downward clockwise.

 

[jodom15sc]

appreciate the tips guys, I got up super early and got to the parts store and had them check my alt and starter and both were decent but starting to kinda of go so I just went ahead and just replaced them both.

All in all not to bad, especially glad I did it because local shop wanted 210 for alternator and 155 for a starter and another estimated 65 to 95 bucks to install depending on how long it would take....uh **** that for sure thats crazy,

 

[PickupMan04 FX4 L2]

so you got em installed ok?

 

[jodom15sc]

yea got them in pretty easy but took some frustration for doing both my first time

 

[PickupMan04 FX4 L2]

good deal!