Low voltage and a squeaky belt

[initialRES]

My 98 GSX has been having some voltage issues. First I noticed that a belt is squeaking. At idle its quiet but when I rev it it begins to squeak. Its not a loud squealing that usually signifies a slipping belt, just a light squeak. After I rev it, and the rpms drop back to idle the voltage also drops to about 12.6-12.7. I thought it might be my alternator belt so I tightened it as well as cleaned my battery terminals. I tightened the belt quite a bit and it hasn't helped stop the sound at all. I am afraid to tighten it too much because I don't want to over tighten the belt. Do you have any idea why this might be happening? Or is the voltage drop just normal? Should I keep tightening the belt? How do I know if it is tight enough?

Oh and when I am cruising or just idling the voltage is at 13.6-14.1

 

[eclipsefwd]

I am having a similar voltage drop problem. Except my voltage will randomly drop to about 11.5 volts, then shoot back to 13.8 for a couple minutes. Then the voltage will drop again. It is weird. Also my alternator is brand new and I have new 8 awg wire for the alt. and 4 awg for the battery. Has this happened to anyone else. I can't figure it out.
Thanks.

 

[DSMJim]

Do you have your car on defrost all the time which kicks the ac compressor and fans on and off all the time? Defrost uses the A/C system to clear the windshield which is ass.

 

[eclipsefwd]

No I dont use defrost. I dont even have my a/c anymore. I have checked everything and cannot figure it out. Maybe I got a defective alternator.

 

[fr33b1rth]

With mine it would also do the same (1g) until i tightened the belt. I was told this was because as the load of the alternator increases, it becomes harder to turn and the belt slips. You shouldn't have too much slack in the belt when you try to move it.

I also deal with a lot of big stereos, and your voltages are very acceptable. As the engine speed increases, the voltage will also, sometimes as high a 14.4 and i've seen voltage as low as 10.5.

Just another thought, last time i blew up an alternator it was squeeling...