did you purchase the replacement bracket? if so where did you get it? I want to do this project as well.

thanks in advance

JR,
You should not have to remove the coolant reservoir, but you should definitely soak the studs in penetrating oil or PB Blaster or similar for as long as possible. They will be the hardest part of the upgrade. Good luck with the project. From your signature, the project is long overdue!! :-)

I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you!!!

When I did our replacement (in 1998) our studs were fine. I then did a friend's boat (Ericson 32 with the same M25) and we had to replace his studs.

Before you start trying to get them out, check to see if what you have are long enough for the new bracket.

All, thought I would pass along that a tractor supply/salvage yard in Kentucky had the timing covers available for a fraction of the cost of the marine suggested retail (means nothing because they are discontinued and not available anywhere).  I bought my boat two years ago knowing the previous owner had broken the ear off due to a large alternator without the upgraded bracket.  Since then I have searched high and low and come close but no cigar many times.  This fall I decided to overhaul the engine since I was getting some blow by and had some gasket leaks.  I knew that I would need to find the timing cover to complete the overhaul so I called atleast a hundred different places.  I finally struck gold with "West Kentucky Tractor Parts" (see contact info below).  They were awsome and had the exact timing cover part for the Universal M25 (Kubota D850) which had eluded me until contacting them.  I have attached two pictures, both are with the new timing cover but one is without paint and one is with the application of Por-15 engine painting kit (amazing stuff).  Also shown is a new ElectroMax 140 amp alternator which I will be testing out in the boat in the next week or so.  As a side note, after opening up the engine (original), I was amazed at the shape of the valves, pistons, rings, and bearings.  They looked almost new with only slight carbon deposits.  It's truly amazing how many years/hours these work horses can last.

MS,

I see in your photos that you have an alternator with a serpentine belt.

I have a Balmar 621-70 alternator and I am considering installing one of these.

I have an M35AC with a Sherwood raw water pump. It looks to me that I will not have enough clearance.

You have a Oberdorfer pump on you M25. Obviously you have clearance.

Did you install the Oberdorfer or did it come with the engine?