Originally Written: Circa 1998

Last updated: June 23, 2009

TR GENERATOR BRACKET LEAKS OIL

The holes for the bolts that hold the generator bracket to the block, are drilled all the way through the block. If one of these bolts should back all the way out, you will have a great oil leak. Most old TR engines seem to have damaged brackets as the generator and that fat, funky fan belt, seem to work the bolts loose... & then the bracket breaks.

The usual recommendation is to "check the bolts regularly".... which is damn near impossible to do as they are so hard to reach.

Install them right once and for all. Use Locktite blue on the threads and I'd even recommend safety-wiring the bolts also.. If you do it right once... there is no need to "check" them and the bracket will last.

Fred

Another note by Fred:

One of the major causes of the generator bracket working loose is... the generator is loose! Adjusting the belt is a three-bolt job. Loosen the bracket and both pivot bolts. Adjust the belt ant tighten ALL three. Esp with the age of the generators today, the holes for the pivots are often hogged out a bit. Loose generators vibrate and loosen bolts.....

(Note: from John T. Blair - I have to agree with Fred. I remember back in the late 60's and early 70's maintaining many of my friends sports cars. One inparticular that I really liked was a TR-3. Found lots of interesting problems with that - like the time the owner dry welded the center of the front wheel bearing to the axle. Then there was the time he was leaking oil real bad. Turned out to be the Generator mounting bolts. I've never forgotten that lesson!)

To email John or Fred with comments or questions.