88 GL alternator swap for an 88 Nissan Maxima ... questions

[YnotDIY]

Hey everyone my first post on here.

I'm in the process of swapping out the alternator in my 88 GL with one from an 88 Maxima got the tip off from this site actually as posted by GeneralDisorder. I have a question I couldn't find the answer to in the original thread from 2009 so I figured I'd post this.  If this is better left in the comments of the other thread I can delete this, but I wasn't sure where to post exactly...anyway the long awaited question.

The GL alternator has this (I think it's some sort of relay?) thing on the back and I'm wondering if I need to move it over to the Maxima alternator because it doesn't have that part.  not sure if it's necessary and it doesn't look like the Maxima alternator has bolts that are long enough to accommodate it, but I figured I would ask.  I've attached pictures  of the back of both alternators for reference.

 

< OLD ALT with thing

< NEW ALT no thing

[Crazyeights]

That's a capacitor for radio noise suppression. The newer Nissan alternator doesn't need it.

Edited December 29, 2016 by Crazyeights

[DaveT]

I'm thinking someone added that capacitor, I've not seen one in that location on these cars.

[YnotDIY]

Okay cool. I was worried it was a necessary part. Hopefully the radio isn't awful without it, but if it is I'll just switch it over and see what happens. thanks for the quick replies ya'll hopefully getting this back on the road today, but alas it is snowing here in Michigan and I'm working outside so we will see. I'll update as everything progresses.

[YnotDIY]

Anyone have any idea how to tighten the serpentine belt? just lift the alternator with all ur might?

[DaveT]

Did you change the belt type also?  These are normally a V belt.   V belts for the alternator - not all your might.  Moderate.  On a stock alternator, after setting, try to turn the alternator by the pulley fan.  If it slips on the belt, it's too loose.  If it won't turn, or turns it a little, ok.  [it won't deal with turning through compression, but if the engine is not on that stroke, I've had it move sometimes.]

 

I don't have a trick for too tight, the idea is to work up from slip to just enough to not slip.

 

Iirc, the swap you did doesn't have an external fan?  Maybe a wrench on the pulley nut? 

 

Too tight will shorten the belt and bearing life.

[YnotDIY]

Did you change the belt type also?  These are normally a V belt.   V belts for the alternator - not all your might.  Moderate.  On a stock alternator, after setting, try to turn the alternator by the pulley fan.  If it slips on the belt, it's too loose.  If it won't turn, or turns it a little, ok.  [it won't deal with turning through compression, but if the engine is not on that stroke, I've had it move sometimes.]

 

I don't have a trick for too tight, the idea is to work up from slip to just enough to not slip.

 

Iirc, the swap you did doesn't have an external fan?  Maybe a wrench on the pulley nut? 

 

Too tight will shorten the belt and bearing life.

I ended up using a breaker bar with a little force to prop up the alternator then tightened everything down. Seems to be working great. I didn't switch the belt type, just moved the pulley from the old alternator to the new one. I had to sand down the spacer from the old alternator as it was about an 1/8" to thick.

 

Now onto the oil pressure sending unit....which seems to be unconnected and I can't find the dang female spade connector anywhere among the wires. Oil pressure gauge didn't work when I got it and it's stressing me out. Gonna start a new thread for that question. Be great to see you over there DaveT if you have any answered for this. Pictures to follow.

[YnotDIY]

Though you all would like a photo of the Nissan alternator in place. So shiny so newwww ????