Removing an alternator from the 1.6 MX-3...WTF?!

[Cudalord]

Went to take out the alternator the other night, no problem removing it, but when I tried to get it out, no way. I tried through the top and the bottom, and it seems like there's now way to get this damn thing out around the motor. Anyone got any advice?<P>Thanks!

[Custommx3]

been there.. done that. I had to have mine towed to mazda to get it out. They had to remove the cat. I towed mine.. cause I was in a McDonalds Parking lot.

[torpedan]

OKay.. dare i ask what you were doing in a mcdonalds parking lot changing an alternator...

[Custommx3]

drving along... tensioner falls off, belt breaks(its attached to the water pump), car gets hot, i have to pull over, 1st available place.

[torpedan]

Sure.. I bet it broke in the drive threw and your wont admit to eating THe Mcnuggets...

[Guest]

LOL. Actually, McNuggets sound pretty good, I think I'm gonna run up and get some. =)

[Custommx3]

after 12 hrs in the parking lot, I had it towed. I got mad as hell. Autozone kept giving me the wrong belts. And the only thing I had at Mcdonalds was a Coke. After smelling it that long, screw eating there.

[BumpNGlow]

I got mine off FINALLY! Thanks to barry's continuing help. I had to get the car up on ramps first off. Unhook it, etc. Then I went under the car, took off the bolts for the exhaust. move a few easy things out of the way, and pull it straight through.<P>2 weeks later, I found a book saying its MUCH easier to go up and out rather than underneath. You have to move some of the A/C hoses I think. Not positive though.<P>(all in all it took me 3 nights of working on it after school and work)

[Custommx3]

cool man, glad I could help.