I know that I can get the alternator out without a pit or a hoist, because the NRMA guys said they can do it on call out without removing the engine. I want to assess the alternator for reconditioning - the stator is still coloured red-orange (although a little dark) so I may be able to just replace the brushes and diodes.

I have taken out the water reservoir, and removed the fluid pipe brace that is over the alternator, but I cannot get to the arm under what appears to be the tension pulley wheel under the alternator. Dad said to just undo the bolts on the alternator - but I a not doing that until I find out about the/any belt tensioner.

Is there even a tensioner on the belt (I thought it was a hydraulic automatic one?) and do you need a special tool? I can't find anything about this on the internet (there is lots of stuff about the application in Diamantes and Magnas, but nothing about the tension on the belt or how to get to it.) Is the virtually inaccessible arm under the pulley with the hole in the end the tensioner arm, or do I owe the old man an apology?

Loosen the bolt in the centre of the belt tensioner pulley then back off the adjusting bolt below it.
The picture below come from the PDF manual you can download from here (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56815).

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz72/mitchc_1/Random%20car%20stuff/ScreenShot001.png

PM Sent

@mitch and bparfait: Thanks for your help.

I thought it might be the brain initially, since everytime it played up, I would get half speed wipers, internal lights and stereo would go on and off, and there was lots of jerking with the transmission failing to respond (I take it this has something to do with computer control of the transmission and voltages.) The last time I drove it before it died the transmission or the injection system developed a regular jerk on a 2-3 second interval and all of the dials in the dash would flick/twitch to the right at each pulse or jerk. I'm not sure whether it was a diagnostic or just because it was in meltdown, but the kids loved it! It was like a cross between chitty chitty bang bang and Bumblebee in a bad mood (but not as pretty.) I performed a temporary labotomy on it, but the computer seemed to be in good nick - no water or scorch marks on the PCB or bus from blown transistors or resistors. I guess enough whacky voltage could bang up the firmware logic pretty bad though. I waterproofed the computer with a plastic bag - just in case (the car is getting old enough to develop a couple of windscreen leaks.)

Anyway thanks again. Hopefully the alternator stator isn't too roasted to run.