SOS Near State College PA

I was visiting family in Canoe Creek state park and then headed over to State College to check out Arts Fest when my alternator died on my 90 Miata. The charge light was on at highway cruising RPMs and eventually the radio and other electronics cut in and out. I managed to get it off the highway and park the car, but it wouldn't start. Luckily my uncle lives in State College and he was able to give me a jump and I was able to limp the car back to his place.

I have the alternator on order from Autozone, but I can't get the bottom bolt of the alternator out with the tools I have on hand. I was wondering if anyone in the area with tools and jack stands was willing to help out. I was planning on being home in Ohio before Monday but it looks like I'm stranded for now. Thanks in advance!

-Chris

I'm not sure about the 1.6 but on the 1.8 you need to remove the support brace that goes to the intake manifold to get that bottom bolt out.

I'm about 2 hours south/southeast in Carlisle. Can't make it up to you because I'm already doing an emergency clutch job for a friend today, but if you can make it down this way I should have all the tools and beverages you need. Probably a long shot, but figured I would offer.

Woody wrote: I'm not sure about the 1.6 but on the 1.8 you need to remove the support brace that goes to the intake manifold to get that bottom bolt out.

I have access to the bolt on the 1.6 but I think it's not the OEM one. The bolt is a 14mm like expected, but there's a 17mm nut on the back of it. The 17mm nut is what's giving me trouble as I think it's either stripped or cross threaded. I'll check to see if removing the support bracket helps out.

Furious_E wrote: I'm about 2 hours south/southeast in Carlisle. Can't make it up to you because I'm already doing an emergency clutch job for a friend today, but if you can make it down this way I should have all the tools and beverages you need. Probably a long shot, but figured I would offer.

Thanks for the offer! I'm not sure the car will make it that far, but I'll keep you in mind if I decied to go for it.

In reply to rodknock:

No problem, i figured it was a stretch. I think my coordinates are in the stickied GRM assist list thread if you need them and you can call/text me at seben Juan seben - for for ate - seben fiv too oh.

Chris, got your message. I've got an hour or two free, send me the address and an idea of a few tools you think will help, I'll swing by...

If all else fails buy three Walmart batteries and drive home with one headlight no radio no fan etc.

Can either return the batteries or probably sell them used for a good return if your conscience is strong.

In reply to Gearhead_42:

I replied to your email.