How to remove the alternator

[motah33]

I have a Golf GTI 8v 1990/H (engine code PB) with the Digifant Fuel Injection system. I'm changing the timing belt and the water pump. I need to remove the alternator to get access to the pump.

As far as I can tell, there seems to be a 13mm bolt tying a plate to the engine block on which the alternator swivels. I tried putting a 13mm spanner on that bolt but I couldn't move it. I tried to move the alternator as far as it can go but unless I'm not moving it far enough, I don't see how anything but a spanner could get on to the end of the bolt.

Is the only way or is there some other way?

Thanks

[Waspy]

If I remember correctly, it's an Allan style bolt? So obviously make sure you are using the right bit lol. But other than than I don't remember it being too hard. I think I had someone "rock" it slightly while the other undid the bold. But had no issues actually getting the spanner on...

EDIT: Re-read. You don't need to take the plate off. There is a (long) bold which connects the alternator to the plate, remove that and leave the plate in place. That's what I did anyway.

[Santiago]

6mm hexagon bit into the head of said long bolt.  Make sure you tap it right into the bolthead until it bottoms out before you attempt to undo it, otherwise you will probably round off the head, as you can't see how far in it is.

[Sgt_Lemon]

The big plate will have to come off though to remove the water pump. Once the alternator is off the water pump is held on with 3 bolts through the big bracket and one top left that just goes to the head. You will need to also remove the crank pulley to get to the timing belt.

[motah33]

Thanks folks for the replies.

I've realised now that there are two things here and I've been only looking at the bolt that holds the plate in the engine block that the alternator bolt (the long 6mm hex bolt that you've mentioned) goes into. No wonder I thought this was looking a bit difficult!

I'll spray some PlusGas on it so it loosens up a bit and I'll try not round off the head. That's my main concern with the bolts on the flywheel and water pump pulley too.   

[motah33]

Just to let you know that it all worked well and I was able to remove the bolts. Would you advise to replace the bolts or keep them as they are some 24 years old?

I discovered that what is the knock sensor's black housing cracked and it pretty much fell away. I'm not sure if I can keep it they way it is or if I have to replace it which seems to a very expensive option.