Frustratating Alternator install
 

Replacing the alternator on a 1998 Boxster. When tightening the idler pulley bolt the bushing you screw the bolt into, once I started to get it tight, spins. I can't get it really tight, I have tried so many Mickey Mouse things to hold it into place its crazy and the worst thing is it won't loosen either it spins then too. .....any suggestions

Sometimes the quick spin of an air gun will tighten or loosen something like that.
Let's see what the professionals have to say.

I remember having to torque a pulley once and the only way I found to get it done was with my Oil Filter Wrench. You'll need the adjustable version of the wrench. Put on a thin rubber strip onto the pulley drive so it doesn't damage the grooves, just asked a mate to squeeze that wrench for you and get it done!

i second madmods. get a strap wrench.

Thanks for the suggestions, I wound up taking a drill to the bushing, just drilling far enough to make a notch in the bushing and the hole the bushing was. So in a sense I created a key by leaving the drill bit in the notch, that would lock it in place. Took 5 minutes. Was able to tighten it right up. :dance: