Proper alternator support mounting on 82 6.2L

[stevemedcroft]

Hi guys:

I am the proud owner of a 6.2 that is in for some long-term love and care to restore it. Unfortunately, the previous owner seems to have done a quick water pump replacement and left off (and did not include it with the truck when I bought it) the support bracket that stabilizes the alternator pivot bolt. The truck ran but the pivot bolt snapped. I have purchased a new bracket but I have no documentation as to where exactly on the engine it mounts and even though I've placed it in various positions (using two of the water pump bolts) it doesn't seem to fit. Without having access to another 6.2 for comparison, I am stumped.

I know this is a lot to ask but can someone with a 6.2 either tell me exactly what bolts on the engine the mount attaches to or snap a photo of the front of their engine so I can connect the dots.

This and the coolant crossover pipe Robyn is sending to me are the only barriers to me driving my truck (unless there's something else wrong) so any help is appreciated.

[DmaxMaverick]

If you are referring to the front triangle bracket with 3 holes, it should mount to the 2 water pump bolts. If it doesn't fit there, something else has been changed, which could explain why the PO didn't include it.

How is it "not fitting"? Do the holes not line up? Is the alternator not lining up once the bracket is on? If the 2 water pump holes don't fit the bolts, it's the wrong bracket. Be sure to reseal the water pump bolt threads with anaerobic sealer when you finish the install, however you do it. Considering what you've found so far, it wouldn't hurt to do the other side, too.

[stevemedcroft]

I'll have some more time tot try and put it all together over the weekend so thanks for the knowledge of where the bracket should mount. When I line up the bracket on two water-pump bolts (well, one is a stud and one is a bolt), there is a hump on the water pump blocking the center of the bracket. Again, I need to spend a little time in there to be sure and I'll try to grab a photo or two if I a stumped.

[DmaxMaverick]

I wouldn't worry so much about a "wrong" water pump. If it's a cheapy aftermarket, it could be the casting that's the problem. If you are uncertain, or uncomfortable, with the pump in any way, it's best to change it out with a good replacement.

On second thought.....
The bolts should be stud-head bolts, with a shorter one at the top. The bracket mounts on top of the bolt heads, on the studs. If you have a bolt at the top, there should be a spacer to offset the bolt head thickness. This should provide enough clearance for the casting getting in the way of the bracket, and explain why the bracket wasn't lining up. A picture of your setup would be helpful. I can't get a pic of mine w/o removing the belt and loosening the alternator (would do it in an emergency, but don't look forward to it). I have a significantly larger 160 amp alternator and can't get a camera angle to show much at all.

[HH]

I think what you are looking for is in this photo.

[stevemedcroft]

Thanks for the photo. And for the reply about how the bracket mounts. I did see that the previous owner has used a bolt for one of the mount locations instead of the stud that was probably there. So rather than remove the WP and install a stud, I'm going to secure a longer bolt and use some washers to space the bracket out as far as the one mount which will attach to the stud. Thanks for all your help so far.

[DmaxMaverick]

They aren't studs. They are stud-headed bolts. Meaning, they are regular bolds from the head down, but have a stud protruding from the head outward. A stud would not work well, as once you torque the nut, additional torque on another nut/accessory will overtorque the first.

Again...DO NOT forget the anaerobic sealer on the bolt threads going into the block!!! RTV won't cure properly, anti-seize will protect from corrosion, but won't seal. The hole connects with the water jacket and will leak after a while. If you are lucky, it won't leak into the timing cover (crankcase).

[stevemedcroft]

Ah. Thank you for the clarification. I'll go find the bolts (the local GMC dealer is getting used to seeing me already). Anaerobic sealer for sure,