Brighten my day (Alternator woes)

michael · #1 01-24-2006, 07:50 PM

So I have my alternator in 100 pieces and I'm trying to de-solder the stator. I go to radio shack to get a soldering gun, I see a tip for the iron that I already have for $10. I buy that and it turns out to be too low wattage, only 70w. I go to harbor freight for the big mama 150w. I take it home only to see a puff of smoke come out of it. I take it back for another one, only to get another puff of smoke. Take that one back and try another one out in the store and guess what! So I get my money back and go to lowe's for their 140w 3x more expensive gun. I open it up and there is no soldering tip, so back to lowes I go. I get my soldering tip, heat it up just enough to get 1 of the 4 wires loose and guess what! I've been trying to get these things loose for 3 days now, I'm ready to flip this thing right out the window. I now have a big vein sticking out of my forehead.

Hocrest · #2 01-24-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael

I now have a big vein sticking out of my forehead.

Maybe you can use that vein to desolder the other 3 wires???

michael · #3 01-24-2006, 08:07 PM

Thanks Dave I needed a laugh, I'm ready to chew my hand off.

michael · #4 01-24-2006, 08:09 PM

I think I'm going to take it to an alternator shop tomorrow.

Hocrest · #5 01-24-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael

I think I'm going to take it to an alternator shop tomorrow.

Not sure if it will help or just make things worse, but I could let you borrow my torch this weekend???

I have a propane and also a MAPP/Oxygen. In the past I've used a propane torch and a screwdriver in place of an iron?????

michael · #6 01-25-2006, 05:13 AM

I have a Propane torch, do you think it would be safe to use? I don't know how much heat that thing can take. There are some plastic pieces in there. Thanks for the idea.