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Hello all...

We had our oils changed and a basic service at Choo Choo Express in Chattanooga today. Good new s that almost everything is great. Bad news is that the rattle I have been hearing is not a loose exhaust bracket as I thought, but the alternator. After removing the bed for access, we can't figure how to get to the alternator. Joel at Choo Choo thinks that there used to be an access panel. Attached is a photo of the bed platform. Any ideas? The alternator is gear driven and mounted top, front on this 8V92. Huh
When we first got our coach a 1992 model, we had to get the blower replaced on the 8V92. I thought there should be access through the underneath of the bed. I was mistaken. After calling Newell I learned that our coch did not have access to engine from bedroom. The tech that does a lot of our service now at S&S in El Paso is able to wiggle under coach and stand up in the front area of the engine compartment to get access to that area. The blower had to be replaced from the side through bay doors.
That has been my experience also. Access either underneath or an agile individual climbing into the engine compartment through the engine side doors and accessing it from there.
Choo Choo thinks they "might" be able to remove it if they had to that way, but minimum 8 hrs remove and install labor for the 3 bolts. If this is the only way, then a compressor failure (mounted right under the alternator , next to the firewall ) would be an engine removal for sure. I must be missing something ?
I replaced the alternator and compressor on my '86 8V92 without removing the engine. I saved them after the 8V92 seized and they're currently in Missouri. Let me know if you need more information.
Jon, was your alternator gear driven and mounted on the engine tight against the firewall? How the heck did you get that alternator out? I assume you have to lay on the top of the engine?
Guy, yes, gear driven and mounted on the engine tight to the firewall. My goddaughter's boy friend was fairly short, so I made him climb in and do it. Check CraigsList in your area for a mechanic called Shorty.
Hi Guy......when I was there at Choo Choo Express having my coach serviced back in January of 2013 I was told my rattling alternator would fail soon......it has been almost 5 years since I was told that and it is still working fine....the rattle is no worse than it was then. I'm not telling you to have it replaced, but it may not be an emergency. I am not implying they are being dishonest.....I like them a lot and would have my coach serviced there again without a second thought. I am just saying I don't think this is an emergency, and I don't think it should take 8 hours. I know that Steve Ward (Prarieschooner) removed his alternator (gear driven) himself. He also has a 6v92 like me, and that may be the difference in being able to access it more easily....a shorter engine.
(11-14-2017, 02:51 PM)MrE Wrote: [ -> ]Guy, yes, gear driven and mounted on the engine tight to the firewall. My goddaughter's boy friend was fairly short, so I made him climb in and do it. Check CraigsList in your area for a mechanic called Shorty.

I look on the Chattanooga Craigs list. No mechanic named shorty. Sad
(11-15-2017, 08:11 AM)whatsnewell Wrote: [ -> ]Hi Guy......when I was there at Choo Choo Express having my coach serviced back in January of 2013 I was told my rattling alternator would fail soon......it has been almost 5 years since I was told that and it is still working fine....the rattle is no worse than it was then.  I'm not telling you to have it replaced, but it may not be an emergency.  I am not implying they are being dishonest.....I like them a lot and would have my coach serviced there again without a second thought.  I am just saying I don't think this is an emergency, and I don't think it should take 8 hours.  I know that Steve Ward (Prarieschooner) removed his alternator (gear driven) himself.  He also has a 6v92 like me, and that may be the difference in being able to access it more easily....a shorter engine.

It gives me hope knowing that it can be done. Don at Choo Choo is 88 this year. I don't want him to ask Joel to do anything he is not comfortable with. They certainly know their way around a Detroit 2 cycle, but not Newell experience. They are used to lots of access doors on commercial buses, hence they want me to chop one under the bed.

It looks like I have 4 inches between the alternator and the firewall. It all depends on how long the bolts are and the length of the shaft and gear. 

My alternator quit working several thousand miles ago, but was not critical because of the nightly rv park hookups, and the genny running ac on the road on the really hot days.

I was fine ignoring it for a while longer until they told me that there are ball bearing involved that MAY drop down through the gear set into the engine
when the alternator mechanically gives up.
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