Took the car out for a test drive today. Adjusted the idle and put 3/4 of a tank in it and drove it to the waterfront in Mukilteo, WA. Ran well, was responsive and didn't stumble much, so the carb was close. Chugged a bit in 4th gear with the lockup anywhere close to or below 60mph. On the downhill run to the waterfront, a long 2 or 3 mile steep grade where you're essentially coasting, the car started stumbling a bit. Then when I got to the parking lot the idle went to crap and hunted and the car wanted to die. Jumped out and checked everything and it physically seemed fine, so I tried to adjust the carb by ear and messed it up worse.
Took some pictures in a hurry and didn't do my normal good job...but I was too busy thinking about trying to get home. I headed up the hill as quick as possible because at high RPM, the trouble went away. Almost got back to the freeway and I heard an odd sound, like something metalic being tossed from the car. Then, my belt started squealing and the temp started rising. Pulled into a church parking lot (2nd church in two days!) to find out what was wrong.
I almost missed it, but there it was...the supporting bolt on the alternator snapped off in the head. The sound I heard was the spacer going bye-bye. So, there I am, miles from home, a snapped bolt in my head...how the hell do I rig this back up to get me home? I just tucked the support rod under the alternator and wedged it against the main bracket. Worked like a charm..and the car starting running fine again, except for the fact I messed with the idle screws too much.
Started limping it home, and wouldn't you know it, but at the next light some kid in a Honda Civic pulled up next to me. It was the wrong place, wrong time and the roads were wet from a nearby sprinkler system. No way was I going to race him. After we made a left turn (both lanes turn left) he floored it and moved off ever so slowly. Then, a 2003ish Mustang went ripping by from behind and blew past him. Meanwhile, I'm just chugging along hoping my belt won't fly off. Around the next corner, what do I see? The Honda pulled over, oil everywhere, smoke pouring from under the hood and the acrid smell of what I think was burned clutch. Well, I guess that sucks to break when you're racing nobody. On the street. In a dangerous area. Kinda dumb.
So, here are some pictures from tonight.
And the broken alternator support. I think the angle was too sharp and I should have connected the support close to the head with a stronger bolt.
Stupid bolt.