Alternator bolt stuck!

[harveyfam2001]

Well, my brother in law and I tried to change out the t-stat in my wife's 2002 Envoy. We got both front engine lift bracket bolts out and the one that holds the A/C line to the bracket. We also got the top alternator bolt out. The only bolt we couldn't get out was the 3rd one on the engine lift bracket. No amount of WD-40 or persuasion would move that bolt and we ended up stripping a 15mm socket in the process. I was afraid we would strip that bolt too. So no go on changing out our t-stat.

I have a feeling this is the original t-stat and the Envoy has 147k miles on it. I'm pretty sure the heat cycles have seized that bolt in place to where it will take a flame to hopefully get it out.

I feel like we got nothing accomplished today.

 

[Decembersend]

Well, my brother in law and I tried to change out the t-stat in my wife's 2002 Envoy. We got both front engine lift bracket bolts out and the one that holds the A/C line to the bracket. We also got the top alternator bolt out. The only bolt we couldn't get out was the 3rd one on the engine lift bracket. No amount of WD-40 or persuasion would move that bolt and we ended up stripping a 15mm socket in the process. I was afraid we would strip that bolt too. So no go on changing out our t-stat.

I have a feeling this is the original t-stat and the Envoy has 147k miles on it. I'm pretty sure the heat cycles have seized that bolt in place to where it will take a flame to hopefully get it out.

I feel like we got nothing accomplished today.

It's a little bit of a PITA but I was able to change my t-stat without removing the alt. I'm lifted tho. I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I just squeezed and scrapped my forearm and I got to it.

 

[Wooluf1952]

Others have also changed the T-stat by removing the tire and going thru the wheel well.

You might also try something like PB Blaster or Aero-Kroil (sp?) instead of WD-40.

 

[Mooseman]

You say you stripped a socket. Was it a 12 point? Try using a 6 point on a 1/2" drive ratchet.

 

[CaptainXL]

You say you stripped a socket. Was it a 12 point? Try using a 6 point on a 1/2" drive ratchet.

Yes and I would also tighten the bolt a small bit before loosening or rap on the head with a hammer if you can. It will help break the torque.

 

[Wooluf1952]

Others have also changed the T-stat by removing the tire and going thru the wheel well.

You might also try something like PB Blaster or Aero-Kroil (sp?) instead of WD-40.

I should've expanded on that:
If you go thru the wheel well, you don't have to remove the alternator.

 

[JerryIrons]

Are you talking about the bolt on the lift bracket and not on the alternator itself? I used a six point socket and long extensions to remove that. Pull the battery out to give you more room as well. The bracket has 3 bolts holding it on plus the one for the ac line.

Also there are 3 bolts on my alternator 2 up high and 1 low, that's the tricky one.

I remember because I just changed my t-stat yesterday myself.

The first time you pull the alternator it takes a while because of the bolt situation, but once you do it you'll remember and it's not that bad, especially if you antiseize up those bolts..

 

[harveyfam2001]

I had the Envoy in to replace the front 2 struts/springs and the rear 2 shocks yesterday and I had them go ahead and replace the thermostat. I asked about the coolant temp sensor as well but they said the parts store they use in town didn't have it in stock.

I'm pretty sure they went through the wheel well as they had the Envoy on the lift and they had the tires off anyway doing the strut/spring replacement.

The needle is right at 210 now no matter what whereas before it would be anywhere from 2-4 marks above depending on if you let it idle a while.

Everything for the shocks/struts/springs and the thermostat and all labor came out to be $566. I'm happy. The Envoy now does not creak and groan going over hills and bumps. It rides much tighter now. 150k miles on the OEMS was far too long.

Thanks all!!

 

[seanpooh]

Since it's straight up at 210F, you don't need to worry. If you have a scan tool, you would see the true temp and see if the readings are erratic. If so, then the ECT would had to have been changed.

Did you ever ask the shop to take the bolt off on the alternator and replace?

 

[harveyfam2001]

Since it's straight up at 210F, you don't need to worry. If you have a scan tool, you would see the true temp and see if the readings are erratic. If so, then the ECT would had to have been changed.

Did you ever ask the shop to take the bolt off on the alternator and replace?

I did not. I wasn't even thinking about it. We were moving to a new house this week after Christmas and since I was already off I wanted to have this done so that my wife would have her Envoy to go to work in.

The temp gauge reads 1 mark below 210 when sitting idle and right at 210 going down the road.