Frustratating Alternator install

[livin_in_a_boxster]

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

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

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

[madmods]

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!

[insite]

i second madmods. get a strap wrench.

[livin_in_a_boxster]

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: