alternator belt

[dr.ian]

Hey everyone! I think that my alternator ordeal was because my belt is too loose. It has 2 or 3 inches of freeplay. It only drops cherge when I accelerate hard, or the belt is hot and slippery from a long drive on the highway. It will go away as soon as I slow the RMPs down a bit. Ony one problem....How in the world do I tighten it? Can anyone give me a good procedure? I see how it is suppost to be done in the owners manual, but do I do it from the top or bottom? How do I get the leverage to pull it tight? Seems difficult! Please help!!

[lotusguy]

Hey everyone! I think that my alternator ordeal was because my belt is too loose. It has 2 or 3 inches of freeplay. It only drops cherge when I accelerate hard, or the belt is hot and slippery from a long drive on the highway. It will go away as soon as I slow the RMPs down a bit. Ony one problem....How in the world do I tighten it? Can anyone give me a good procedure? I see how it is suppost to be done in the owners manual, but do I do it from the top or bottom? How do I get the leverage to pull it tight? Seems difficult! Please help!!

Dr.I,

You can tighten the belt from either the top or the bottom. The easiest thing to do is get a long, heavy duty screwdriver or prybar and pry the alternator from the top while tightening the bolt on the slide bracket. Correct tension is 9mm of total travel, that means 4.5mm in both directions. As you have a belt which has been slipping, it is undoubtedly 'glazed' and should be replaced. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 7th February 16:04

[cnh1990]

I use a 1 1/2" Dia. pipe about 2' long from the top and tighten the braket bolt with my right hand while I use my left hand to pull on the pipe.
Calvin