On Fri, 8 Sep 1995, J. Michael Roach wrote:
> I noticed yesterday that the plugs in my engine were only hand tight.
That would certainly explain my "exhaust leak", wouldn't it? > Anyhow,
when I tried to replace them (they were badly worn) I noticed I couldn't
get the first plug without moving the alternator. I thought that was a
bit odd, but I noticed I could use new belts, so what the Hell... > As I
removed the bracket for the alternator, I noticed the alternator would hit
the cylinder head before I had enough slack to remove the belt--or install
a new belt. So, I guess I have to remove the entire alternator to change
the belt. > Furthermore, the long bolt that holds the alternator in place
hits the oil filter when slid backward and the radiator when slid forward.
So, I guess I have to remove on of these two pieces to changed the belt. >
Then I tried to remove the radiator. I figured I could flush out the
cooling system while I at it, anyhow. As I tried to remove the shroud (is
that the right word?) that covers the radiator, one of the bolts seized up
(apparently from rust) and I can't turn it anymore.
I figured they would fit better than this. Did I buy the wrong year car?
I just wanted something fun to drive and tinker with. > Does anybody have
any similar stories that would make me feel better about this, or am I
just a fool?
Reply:
I'm afraid I don't understand the problem. You have gone from
installing a new spark plug to major disassembly. You wanted to tinker
with something? Well, you are tinkering. It will be fun to drive,
too, if you ever get that far.
You aren't a fool. Or maybe you are, but you have found a list
where nobody is in a position to give you any grief about it.
In all probability, the alternator, the bolt that holds it in, the drive
belt, the spark plugs, the radiator, the shroud, and the rusty bolt were
all intended for different cars than the one you own, and were installed
over the last 20 years by a series of ham-handed service station
"mechanics" who were swearing "damn little furrin cars" as they forced the
parts into places where they did not belong. Since you have a midget with
a triumph engine, it's fair to say the engine was intended for a different
car as well and was installed by a ham-handed factory to resolve problems
caused by a ham-handed US bureaucracy. That is par for the course. If
you want parts that fit, lease a Hyundai.
Do you feel better now?
Ray
Ray Gibbons Dept. of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Univ. of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
gibbons@northpole.med.uvm.edu (802) 656-8910
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