Removing it wasn't as big an issue this time since when I did the swap a few months back I redressed wiring and hoses. This time, once the mounting stuff was out of the way, it was less than 10 minutes to remove it compared to hours and hours the last time. However, reinstallation is another thing, so far I have about 3 hrs. invested in that process. I ended up taking it back out and using the Dremel I cut about three threads off the ends of the bolts holding the case together. They were interfering with the cross member by just a fraction of an inch. That allowed me to get the alternator up and nearly horizontal, the blades in front are lined up with the slots in the dampers, but it simply will not go in. I finally just walked away from it for a few hours, there's nothing in the way...no obstructions whatsoever. It just won't go forward in the the dampers. I'll have some supper and give it one more try this evening. This is absolutely the most infuriating and ridiculous set up I've ever seen...and I've seen hundreds. There's no reason why they couldn't have created a small indentation in the cross member immediately behind it, thereby allowing a much easier approach to the entire operation with increased space to work with...plus lengthened the large main wire. My hands look like I've been in a bar fight, last time they healed up over 60 yrs. ago!
Add in temps in the low 40's with rain, making the metal and me cold. Gloves drive me nuts when working on cars or bikes, and with the cold metal my hands become so stiff after a short time it only gets worse.
