How to Replace the Alternator in a 1957 Porsche 356A

Introduction

Replacing the alternator in a classic 1957 Porsche 356A requires some mechanical skill and the right tools. This guide will walk you through the complete process, from removing the old alternator to installing the new one. With some patience and the help of this guide, I should be able to tackle this repair myself.

Things You'll Need

Before starting, I'll need to gather the following tools and parts:

• New alternator specific to my 1957 Porsche 356A
• Basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
• Floor jack and jack stands
• Voltmeter
• Gloves and eye protection

It's critical to get an alternator designed specifically for my Porsche model and year. Using the wrong part could lead to fitment or electrical issues.

Removing the Old Alternator

With the right tools gathered, I can start by removing the old, worn out alternator:

1. Disconnect the Battery

The first step is to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. This cuts power to the whole car and makes it safe to work on the electrical system.

2. Locate and Remove Alternator Belt

• The alternator belt connects the alternator pulley to the engine's crankshaft pulley.
• Using a wrench, I'll loosen the belt tensioner to create slack in the belt.
• With the tension off, I can slip the belt off the alternator pulley.

3. Disconnect Wiring Harness

• Trace the two wires from the rear of the alternator to the harness connection.
• Disconnect the harness by squeezing the plastic release tab and pulling apart the connectors.

4. Remove Mounting Bolts

• Use the correct sized socket to remove the upper and lower mounting bolts.
• Carefully maneuver the alternator out of its bracket and remove it from the engine bay.

Installing the New Alternator

With the old unit out of the way, I can install the new alternator:

1. Install Mounting Bolts

• Place the new alternator into the empty bracket.
• Install and lightly tighten the upper and lower mounting bolts.

2. Reconnect Wiring Harness

• Plug the two wire harness connectors into the back of the alternator.
• Make sure they click into place securely.

3. Reinstall Alternator Belt

• Loop the alternator belt over the pulley and crankshaft pulley.
• Apply pressure on the tensioner to create slack and slip the belt into place.

4. Reconnect Battery and Test

• Reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Start the engine and use a voltmeter to verify the alternator is charging the battery to about 14 volts.

With that, the new alternator should be successfully installed! Be sure to check all connections are tight and the belt is properly tensioned. I can now enjoy reliable electrical charging in my classic Porsche.

Troubleshooting Issues

If the new alternator doesn't seem to be charging properly, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

• Double check that all electrical connections are tight and clean.
• Carefully inspect the belts for damage or wear and replace if needed.
• Use a voltmeter to test the voltage output as above. If still low, the alternator may be defective.
• Check for loose or damaged wiring that could be causing a short.
• Make sure the battery is in good condition and fully charged.

Replacing an alternator on a 1957 Porsche 356A takes time and care. But with this guide and a methodical approach, I can take on this repair myself and keep my classic sports car electrified for years to come. Let me know if you have any other questions!