Alternator belt too tight, but loose?

[spyderdrifter]

So here's yet another pointless alt belt tension issue that I'm sure can be found somewhere on here, Google, or some other forum. I did a search, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for. My alternator is squealing upon start up first off. So with that, I figured it's probably too tight and wearing on the alt pulley bearings, water pump pulley bearings, or the harmonic balancer. From what it sounds like after the squeal subsides, is that the water pump pulley has a slight random squeak. I've cheaked the tension on the alt belt, as you can see in the pic, and it's obviously looser than it should be. It's probably sitting around 1/2"-3/4". I know 1/4" deflection is about the norm. Can a loose belt cause this irritating squeal and the squeak in the water pump pulley? The water pump itself is only a month and a half old, and has only received maybe 40 miles worth of drive time at most. I've always been hesitant on tightening the alt belt too much because I have destroyed a harmonic balancer by over-tightening. I don't have a deflection tool either (yet). Any help would be awesome.

 

[destruckeclipse]

Mine squeaks extremely loud upon start up when it's loose. I just tighten it little by little till the squeak stops and then a tiny bit further. Obviously not the best or most accurate way but it works.

 

[spyderdrifter]

That might be my only shot here. Still cautious since I broke a harmonic balancer once from the same issue.

 

[91-GS]

Put a ruler on the pulleys and apply pressure to the belt, like you are doing in the picture but with the ruler as reference point, and tighten the belt 'till you get 1/4" deflection.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I really wish these engines had a better tensioninng system. This is about the only part I severely hate. I'd rather re-time the engine than do this.

 

[91-GS]

Get a serpentine belt tensioner off something like a Ranger and make it work with the DSM. That way you don't have to worry about adjusting the belt.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Do they have an auto-tensioner type setup?

 

[91-GS]

Yes. It's a spring-loaded arm with a pulley on the end. Here is an example:

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[spyderdrifter]

Hmm, looks like it could be doable. I'll have to look into doing that. Good idea

 

[91-GS]

Glad to help!
Another possible way would be to use a DSM timing belt tensioner, mounting it so it replaces stock tensioning bolt and pushes against alternator to keep belt tight.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I think the Ford one would work out better
Will have to do a write up if/when I get this to work out.

 

[91-GS]

Will have to do a write up if/when I get this to work out.

That would be great. Good luck with this project