Alt Belt Adventure

[-GSX-Falcon]

My alt belt has been squeaking on startup/acceleration the past week weeks (only when cold). So i decided to tighten the belt today. Did a search of found out how to do it. I dissconnected the battery, took off the fan and loosed the alt mounts. Then i find that the bolt that lets you control the belt tension had been BROKE OFF. The bolt was still there...but the head was missing So all i could do is put all my weight on the alt and tighten the upper mount to get tension on the belt. The belt still has a tiny bit of play and does not seem to squeak anymore. I know you can snap belts and cause major probs if its overtight. I just want your opinions as too if it maybe too tight and what i can do to fix? The belt still has enough play to move with just my fingers.

 

[xcelr8n]

you should be able to deflect that belt a slight bit with just your fingers.
if by play you mean right to left rather than up and down, i dont know about that situation

 

[BUCK]

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Did a search of found out how to do it. I dissconnected the battery, took off the fan

No need to disconnect Battery & you DEFINITELY don't need to remove any Fan just to Tension that Belt!!!! Also - If you let it squeal a couple weeks it's cooked - Can it & install a new Belt - Pick up a new Tensioner Bolt too.

 

[Korndogg]

Originally posted by BUCK
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No need to disconnect Battery & you DEFINITELY don't need to remove any Fan just to Tension that Belt!!!! Also - If you let it squeal a couple weeks it's cooked - Can it & install a new Belt - Pick up a new Tensioner Bolt too.

there is a good reason to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery...

leave it connected and you happen to bridge that pausitive terminal on the alt (though there should be a cap on it) with ANY part of the car and you'll see lots of perdy sparks.. and that's never a good thing

 

[SrKegler]

The mounting bolts won't hold the tension on the belt. Belt will probably jump off at the most in opportune time. Replace the broken bolt before you break something that's really expensive.

 

[xcelr8n]

Originally posted by Korndogg
there is a good reason to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery...

leave it connected and you happen to bridge that pausitive terminal on the alt (though there should be a cap on it) with ANY part of the car and you'll see lots of perdy sparks.. and that's never a good thing

isnt that the truth, i learned the hard way, now i just disconnect the battery whenever im doing anything under there

if your doing the alt belt, i found itextremely helpful to remove the ac fan as it frees up a ton of space