Can I replace generator in a 1970 while engine is still in?

[Fighting Fish]

Hey all, I acquired a 1970 red convertible last year and am running into my first issue. I have researched this topic pretty extensively. I found a vid on doing it on a beetle but with the 70 ghia, I have the oil cooler behind the fan shroud and am unable to access the back bolt to the alternator.

As a newbie, I'll also post a couple pics. Nothing fancy. But man we drive the shit out of this car. I'm looking to make it a full time fair weather car - similar to a 550 Porsche.

Side note: I bought a complete replacement from M&T and they told me it was an alternator not a generator.

[Fighting Fish]

[Braukuche]

I just converted my 1970 from shitty generator to much better alternator without pulling the engine.
1) disconnect battery.
2) disconnect wires going to the generator and carburetor as well as to the coil.
3) remove air cleaner and carburetor. Remove throttle cable tube if possible.
4) remove two bolts on side of fan housing (if there) and remove generator clamp.
5) life fan shroud up as much as you can. If you have a doghouse cooler you can only go so high. If a non doghouse you can remove it completely making it much simpler.
6) I have a doghouse set up. Wedge a piece of wood or something to keep shroud elevated as high as you can and remove all four screws holding backing plate to shroud. Extract generator.
7) if converting to alternator you will need an alternator stand, so you have to remove the old one. After that it’s simply reverse the steps.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!

Retirement is here!
1956 Ghia
1959 SO-23 Westfalia
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now

[jason_hamilton]

Four bolts to take the decklid off. Easy-peasy.
_________________
Jason Hamilton
1969 Karmann Ghia coupe
@MiddleAgedHoon

[Fighting Fish]

Easy Peasy? LOL. To be honest, M and T sent me the wrong "alternator". So I have to return that now. My understanding is that I need access to the generator bolt in the back of the fan housing. If so, I have to remove the oil cooler it seems.

[Braukuche]

[Fighting Fish]

Ok, I have everything loose. Even the 4 bolts are out, but it seems like it won't come out. I will mess with it again in the morning but it seems that you are saying I should just be able to lift the generator and shroud out as one. And to me, it seems that the fan is getting stuck behind the housing when I lift and pull. Sorry if I am being dense.

[Marcdeb]

I've not done this yet, but I've watched several videos and I thought you lift the fan shroud just enough to be able to access all the bolts on the plate, and to clear the manifold. Then you should be able to remove the generator and fan assembly as one complete unit.
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Marc
68 Karmann Ghia Cabrio Autostick
71 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

Previously Owned:
2011 VW EOS Hard Top Conv
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Conv
2003 Saab 9-3 SE Conv
2001 Saab 9-3 Conv
1998 BMW 3 Series Conv
1997 Saab 900 Conv
1997 Mazda Miata

68 Ghia Vert Survivor with 22,350 miles: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=768107&highlight=
71 Ghia Vert Restoration: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=726710&postorder=asc

[Fighting Fish]

Question: what videos? And are they specific to ghia? I am not finding any. If you could, I would love to get some links.

[Braukuche]

[mxl556]

I have done it on my '73 without removing the engine or a lid. In fact I replaced the generator stand, not alternator/generator but it all had to come out. Like others said- if the shroud is loose and moving around, alternator/generator can be replaced. Try rotating the generator and it should come out. I remember using Bentley manual and common sense and it was not hard at all.

[Fighting Fish]

Well, I have the haynes manual. I will look into the Bentley manual. As to common sense, I may be screwed.

[Marcdeb]

[Fighting Fish]

[jeffrey8164]

If you still have the cooling flaps in the thermostat you will have to go underneath the car and loosen the thermostat from the downrod. That is probably was preventing you from lifting up the fan shroud.
_________________
Volkswagen!
Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.

“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

[Fighting Fish]

This sounds A LOT like filling the turn signal fluid.

[SBusch]

One more video with good step by step instructions.


Link

[jeffrey8164]

[jeffrey8164]

[Fighting Fish]

That video is awesome. I am going to tackle this tomorrow. Thanks so much.