When driving it feels like engine loses power

Tiny
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Holidays were okay here too. LOL Let me know what is found when you have it checked. I'm interested in knowing.
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
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That's awesome, I definitely will.
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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Sounds great!
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
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Hey Joe, turns out my alternator is bad. It's so expensive to change. I almost want to try fixing this one myself.
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
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Okay, the idea of replacing it yourself is very possible. It really isn't that hard. Take a look through this link. It explains how in general one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for alternator replacement. The worst part of this job is you have to do part of it through the inner fender which requires you to remove the one wheel. Bit all in all, it's not that bad.

______________________________________________

1999 Mercury Cougar L4-122 2.0L DOHC VIN 3 SFI
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Charging System Alternator Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.

pic 1

2. Remove the intake air resonator.
1 Disconnect the air cleaner outlet tube.
2 Remove the bolts and nuts.
3 Remove the resonator.
- Disconnect the vacuum pipe underneath.

pic 2

3. Detach the coolant hose from the retaining clip.

pic 3

4. Disconnect the generator electrical connectors.

pic 4

5. Disconnect the ground cable.
6. Raise and support the vehicle.
7. Remove the right front wheel.

pic 5

8. Remove the splash shields.
1 Remove the bolts.
2 Remove the splash shields.
9. Remove the accessory drive belt.

pic 6

10. Remove the generator lower bolt.
11. Lower the vehicle.

pic 7

12. Remove the generator upper bolt.

pic 8

13. Remove the generator.

CAUTION: There is a very limited amount of space in which to remove the generator. Do not overstress or damage any hoses or cables.

pic 9

pic 10

INSTALLATION
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

________________________________________

Let me know of this helps. If you have trouble, I can help.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 17th, 2020 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
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I'm not sure if I'm missing a step or my car is different. I removed the air intake, the alternator is right under it, somewhat. I removed the belt and the upper bolt, which was easy to take out. When I got the lower bolt loosened it only came out half way. The tire wall is blocking it from coming out. I need to raise or lower the engine to do that but not sure how. I can't seem to find anything I need online for completing that task.
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Saturday, January 18th, 2020 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
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Is there a black bracket mounted to the lower part of the alternator?
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Saturday, January 18th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
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I'm not sure but I will check in the morning, I was going to jack the motor up and try it that way. I will check before I do any thing else.
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Saturday, January 18th, 2020 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
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Let me know. If there is, you may need to remove it. The mount can be seen from under the vehicle. Nothing is ever easy. LOL If you lift the engine, make sure you place the jack in a spot that won't damage anything. I've seen people lift the engine by the oil pan and it wasn't a good thing. LOL

Please let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Saturday, January 18th, 2020 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I'm glad you mentioned that. I was looking at areas to use to lift it.
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Sunday, January 19th, 2020 AT 3:00 AM
Tiny
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Not a problem. Also, keep in mind that it is still mounted on the car, so it will only go so far before it starts lifting the vehicle. Please be careful.

Joe
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Sunday, January 19th, 2020 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
DCOATES35
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Thank you, I was able to change it out. The problem with the voltage dropping is no more. I guess it was caused by the alternator the whole time.
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Sunday, January 19th, 2020 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
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You are very welcome. What enabled you to get that bolt out from the alternator? Also, I'm glad it's fixed and working right for you.

Take care and feel free to come back any time you have questions.

Joe
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Sunday, January 19th, 2020 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
DCOATES35
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Well apparently the housing for the bolt is a half moon. The other half is on the alternator and the bolt holds them together. I didn't realize that until it came out. I didn't have to raise or lower the engine. I'm sure I will be back. Have you heard of anyone using CLR to clean out the heater core. I can make that another question if you need me to.
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Yes, it is a very common product and works really well. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. As far a starting a new link, I hate to ask, but I need you to. I will watch for it. We try to keep the threads focused on the same topic.

But, I have heard of it, it's commonly used, and works well.

Take care of yourself.

Joe
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
DCOATES35
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Okay, that's no problem. I will start a new one.
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Monday, January 20th, 2020 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
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Thank you.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 AT 4:46 PM

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