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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - alternator mounting bolts

While recently replacing/adjusting a fan belt, I noted that there are 4 bolts that need loosening - two on the two "ears" on top of the alternator, one on the bottom of the alternator that attaches to the sliding bracket and one (nut) on the end of the adjustment bracket on the block. Is there a reason one long bolt can't be used on the two top mounts? I know one long bolt will go through both mounts and I'm sure I'm not the first to think of this. So, I'm thinking there is a good reason for the two short bolts rather than one long one. That would result in only 3 bolts to loosen rather than 4. Am I missing something?
Thanks, Jack
Jack Orkin

Jack,
You would stress the alternator body, putting load on the bearings and at worse breaking off one of the mounting lugs trying to get it tight enough. You could however put a spacer between the lugs to avoid stressing the alternator body.

Mike
Mike J Pearson

even with a long spacer there's a high risk of breaking off the mounting lug on the water pump as they are cast ally these days whereas the bracket on the block is steel.
David Smith

Pretty sure that my 1500 used a single long bolt, together with a spacer. The bolt shouldn't need tightening up that much anyway as it is really just the pivot that the alternator hangs on. The adjustment tension is locked and retained by the slotted bracket and that is the thing that needs to be tight.
Guy W

ive had 1 long bolt on mine for years and no issues... I used spacers but im using a GM alt

prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Thanks for the input. Hadn't thought of the stress to the water pump lug, but a spacer might take care of that. Or, maybe I should leave well enough alone and find something else to fiddle with!
Jack Orkin

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2013 and 22/04/2013

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