Jumped in last night and after less than a mile - battery symbol lit up. Quickly turned for home and lifted the bonnet to investigate. There was a distinct smell of burning - (very similar to the smell of a burnt out computer PSU) .

I disconnected the battery to avoid further damage and had to resort to using my weekend toy to tackle the M1 and North Circular
Something I usually try to avoid on account of the appalling standards of driving in North London.

I've ordered a replacement new OEM Denso alternator (LR 010514) from Advanced Factors (£210.90 delivered). Also the rather beefy looking viscous fan coupling removal spanners from PowerfulUK.

Question remains - do I tackle this notoriously difficult and unpleasant job myself or pay my local independent? 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

The same happened to me a few weeks ago. I bottled it and paid for my local indy to do the job. It took them 5 hours and I was charged £520. Without doubt, the most expensive alternator replacement I've ever paid for
Like you, I nursed the car home once the light appeared and then disconnected the battery. I charged the battery using a smart charger the night before the car was booked in for repair, then drove it to them with every unnecessary ancillary switched off. On arrival at the garage, the battery was disconnected again until the mechanics were ready to do the work.
Quite a nervy 10 mile drive that morning, had visions of being stranded en route... all good though and the car made the journey with no issue.

I've recently done this on my tdv8. The manual states a number of steps that weren't necessary. The two lower bolts are a pain to remove, I had to modify a number of 13mm sockets to be able to release them. Besides from that there wasn't really any trouble once you figure out what parts to remove and how.

Best regards, Hannes

Thanks all,

I have received the alternator so making a start today. Will let you know how it goes. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

ive done 2 they come out of the side you need to remove arch liner fan stays in place quite easy took me 3hours

So far removed the wheel arch liner, lower splash shield, airbox and fan cowling and one turbo pipe. Top alternator bolt is easy but the two lower ones can't be accessed unless two lower turbo pipes are removed?

I don't get how you can do it without touching fan. Maybe​ it is possible to take tension off the drive belt but not sure if I can reach the tensioning pulley.

Off to a meet tomorrow morning then might tackle the next bit in the afternoon. Taking a few pictures as I go so will try to post up a DIY guide later. Assuming success that is.  2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

The fan doesn't need to be removed. You can reach the tensioning pulley with a socket wrench.

Regarding the two lower bolts.

The one to the front:
I bought a 13 mm wrench, shortened it, and drilled a hole in it so I could mount it to a slide hammer.



The one to the back:
I managed to release this one with a wrench looking like this:
http://images.biltema.com/PAXToImageServic...6_xl_1.jpg

Finished the alternator replacement yesterday.

I see now what you mean about not being necessary to remove the fan but I did remove it! Fan came off very easily luckily.

Managed to remove the lower bolts just using a 3/8 drive socket ratchet and 13mm socket. The trick was to undo and remove the nut holding the nearest turbo pipe and then pull it off the stud and move it down. That created just enough room to get the socket in but it is very tight.

One of those jobs that is difficult the first time you do it and probably a lot easier the second time. Satisfying though - and saved a few hundred pounds. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE