alternator belt chewed up- was ok 3 mo. ago

[teigan]

something is contacting my alternator belt, and chewing pieces off the outer suface(flipside of pulley). don't see anything obviously loose, or in the way. i'm going to borrow a lift tomorrow and get a better look. has anyone had a similar problem?

[lotusse89]

teigan said:

something is contacting my alternator belt, and chewing pieces off the outer suface(flipside of pulley). don't see anything obviously loose, or in the way. i'm going to borrow a lift tomorrow and get a better look. has anyone had a similar problem?

It happens with the alternator bracket rubbing on the AC belt, but nothing that I know of does that to the alt belt.

Travis
Vulcan Grey 89SE
www.lotuscolorado.com/vulcangrey/

[mikelr]

My alternator belt is getting a bit ragged on it's edge. I found it to be rubbing against one of the hose clamps on the radiator coolant line. Clamp just needed to be clocked in a different position.
Worth a look.

Cheers,
Mike Reed
94'S4

[teigan]

thanks travis and mike. it was the coolant hose clamp. once again, the last people to touch it were the highly trained mechanics at viking motor sports. lavern and shirley could have done a better job. i'll swap that belt this weekend with its predecessor. luckily it's the outer belt.

[lotusguy]

teigan said:

thanks travis and mike... i'll swap that belt this weekend with its predecessor...

Hi,

Unless you actually get enjoyment from changing 'V' belts, I would recommend that you squeeze out a couple bucks for a new alternator belt.

The old belt is just that... old. Also, once unsprung the belt will deteriorate rapidly, harden, glaze... all sorts of nastys.

Rewind the clock and install a new, worry-free belt.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[teigan]

good idea jim. in fact i'll take the plunge and replace the timing belt and friends, at the same time. it really is a tight space to work in, and i'm not sure i know enough expletives to finish the job.

btw, did you ever get that preoiler built?

[teigan]

good idea jim. in fact i'll take the plunge and replace the timing belt and friends, at the same time. it really is a tight space to work in, and i'm not sure i know enough expletives to finish the job.

btw, did you ever get that preoiler built?

[Lotus Boy]

Was it difficult to loosen bolts to change belt, cannot seem to loosen my 3rd and most difficult bolt to tighten alternator belt on 85 SE? Thanks for any help.

[teigan]

i'm assuming all was formerly torqued correctly, but everything was an ordeal to unbolt. i guess it's all about inadequate clearance to get proper leverage. if you have an assotment of closed and open ended wrenches in varying lengths, you should be able to find a comfortable position. for the bolt you mentioned, i used the longest 12 sided box wrench that would fit. i wasn't able to get my air rachet into there, as it was exactly the right size to not fit. best of luck.

[lotusguy]

Lotus Boy said:

...on 85 SE? ...

WoW,

That's a new one...
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE