[jor]

Thanks for the enjoyable account tfb.....and for the hospitality etc.
As it appears that getting hold of tool 5284 is not an easy task I posted to the d24 list about your modified tool and received a reply from Tom Bryant, who is an engine builder and has rebuit some 100 d24's. Although he exaggerates the torque somewhat it may nevertheless be an idea just to recheck that bolt when you get a chance.

"I'm not sure just how your friend held his crankshaft from turning, but
be advised that that bolt requires somewhere in the neighbor hood of 500
ft-lbs of torque. I sure hope he was holding it well enough and got
sufficient torque on the bolt, because if he didn't he'll surely regret it".

The snap is of the bottom of the alternator and if the bracket in the middle underneath the pliers is the missing piece let me know. I can't remember if your one had this slightly angled bracket. The larger bracket below is not attached to the alternator at all, at least not on this particular engine, it serves as attachment point for the steering pump.
Having said that the alternator belt on the car is really quite slack, noticeably less than on the power steering and can be deflected a good 1 1/2 cm without any pressure.

john