How to disconnect 24 volt alternator with braided cables 1978 FFR?

Hello again

This sounds like it should be so simple, but I don't want to risk breaking anything, so I will consult your collective wisdom before reaching for a hammer.

1978 S3 ex-military radio vehicle (FFR) with 24 volt electrics and braided cables. Just before it goes into the alternator, there is a 90° bend (rigid metal piece, unscrewable) and then some other metal screwy bits, then a square metal plate with a screw at each corner (removed). All this instead of a plug on the end of a cable.

I need to do some arc welding, so I need to disconnect the alternator and, of course, the batteries. Can't work out how it comes apart. Nothing moves, even with the screws taken out of the metal plate.

Can anyone help please?

Many thanks, as ever, in advance. I have searched for an existing post before posting this message. Can take a photo if necessary.

You only need to take your live battery leads off to avoid damage !! Once the live lead is off then there is no circuit to the alternator !

Hi Ferretboy

Thanks for the tip. However....... there is a metal plate on the vehicle advising one not to arc weld it whilst the alternator is connected, so I thought that I should do so.

I don't want to fry anything electrical.

this is where it splits mate, a bit tricky though as the pins stick over the years .....

Thanks for the photos, Mr Egg. Looks like the last bit does just pull off. Wonder if WD40 would help. It usually does.

harvestmouse said:

Thanks for the photos, Mr Egg. Looks like the last bit does just pull off. Wonder if WD40 would help. It usually does.

Click to expand...

if i remember rightly, tapping with a small hammer did the trick

"if i remember rightly, tapping with a small hammer did the trick"

That's usually option 2 in most scenarios.

hey mate they unscrew and they can be right gits to do but a pair of water pump pliers gets the buggars every time and wd40 then they undue ok its just getting them to separate is the hard bit