finally decided to open 'er up: plans included water pump (done), S belt, tensioner (not done), alternator (not done), rear plugs (got #1 in), thermostat, both rad hoses,plug wires

i couldnt get the alternator out because the stupid vertical Alt bracket is in the way and i believe either the tensioner is holding it on, or the final bolt is underneath the tensioner.
to get the tensioner off, almost impossible access from below and since it aint broke, aint fixin. so alternator stays in the van (240,000 kms OE, slightly amazing) until someone explains the bracket question i guess.
should have put it up no ramps before i started....

might have the shop do the two remaining rear plugs as well as the upstream 02 sensor.
By the way there is what Haynes says is the engine block coolant drain plug but that sucka is tight and i dont wanna force it. is it critical? i tipped the van hard to the PS to drain rad and block, seemed to help some more coolant come out...
TIA,
Wayne in Calgary

 

The tensioner and the two rear plugs are done from the bottom. Remove the top bracket for the alt and all bolts. It does come out, but takes time. Be cafeful.

 

ha ha JK
ok so clarify if getting the tensioner nut off will either free up the bracket or expose the last bolt holding said bracket on....
is 240,000 kms pretty normal for OE alternator? I'm amazed personally...
any idea about the coolant drain plug/bolt at bottom front of block?
thanks again,
Wayne

 

if you take off the wiper unit the alt comes out super easy. it only takes 10 min to remove the wiper unit