So I was just about done with my timing belt install when I was tightening the bolt terminal on the back of the alternator and the bolt broke. I was only using a 1/4 inch drive and it was just getting snug so I don't know, it must have been weakened when I was getting it off because it was pretty tight for such a small bolt.

Needless to say I'm frustrated.

How hard is the terminal to fix? I'm not sure if the bolt broke in the middle and I have to extract the rest or if it's soldered in or somethin.

If I'm reading this correctly I would need #6 (Terminal Set) on the following link?

Honda Automotive Parts

I'm sure the alternator has some life left in it and they're kinda expensive, especially after dropping $500 on tires/alignment today.

 

If I remember, it's pretty much an ordinary bolt with another nut inside holding it together. I have a couple of old alternators laying around I'll look at one tonight.

When you do the timing belt it's not necessary to do anything with the alternator other than loosen it up and take the belt off.

Always disconnect the battery before trying to disconnect the big wire on the alternator. It is live all the time, so if you if ground it out with your tools the main fuse in the underhood fuse box will blow.

 

Anibis,

Yes, the correct part that you would have to order is the terminal set (oem p/n 31123-PWA-004).


I've heard that repairing the said part isn't too difficult- just take your time and make sure that all of the integral bolts associated with the alternator are tightened down properly

 

I'll give it a shot.

Would it be okay to start the car just to test the timing belt install w/no PS or alternator installed?

 

Yes. Be sure to tape up the end of the white wire so it can't touch ground. Then you can start up and drive (until the battery runs down.) Why is the PS off?

 

I'm gonna be getting a new alternator soon and I didn't wanna put everything back together just to take it apart again....I just wanted to be sure everything is good with the timing belt install.

 

After a quick prayer I fired her up and everything runs/sounds normal. Was a bit worried about the CKP sensor b/c I barely bumped it when I was torquing the water pump bolts.

Pretty sad that I've never done a timing belt before and did that w/out an issue, the alternator gave me problems, something I've changed many times in various cars.

Oh well my car has 120k on it, I'm sure the alternator didn't have too much longer to live so I guess it's not a terrible thing to replace it now.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

After changing the timing belt, be sure to check / adjust the spark timing with a timing light.

 

I'm not sure how to do that on this car....it has no distributor. I was told to let it idle for 10 min with everything off and it will learn?

 

Oh OK if it's distributorless (2001 or later) you don't have to set spark timing.