Help confirming alternator issues

[97gsxIA]

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I've done some searching and ive pretty much figured out i need a new alternator but i just wanted to confirm. this is what happened... My car wouldnt start this morning, just clicked and very low voltage on my volt gauge. I knew my battery was wearin out so i put one in that was out of my old 4 cyl. with the same cold cranking amps etc. My alternator also has squelled a couple times this last week, figured it was just a belt tension issue. Well when I started the car after i put this new battery in the alternator belt squeeled like a stuck pig and got louder as i pressed on the gas. could hear it for a mile. Also i could even see a small amount of smoke and a burnt rubber smell. so obviously my alternator belt it burning up. My voltage read 11 and worked its way up very slowly to 13 while it was squeeling. my alternator belt has about .5 inch play in it maybe more. I also have vents on my hood, maybe water got in a rusted out my alternator? also I have a couple alternators laying around not from DSM's. wondering if one might fit. theyre all from 4 cyl cars. can anyone confirm if its a dead alternator? or maybe something else? I cut my hand on my battery terminal.. so now im pouring blood. This car has claimed more blood from me than a blood bank ever could

 

[jmitch]

First thing to do is charge the battery until its full, tighten the alt belt, if it squeals change the belt.

 

[97gsxIA]

Aye, forgot to mention, I rebuilt my head a month ago and replaced all the belts including the alternator belt. so the belt is new. The tensioner bolt on the other hand... is a PITA. but arent they all? its pouring rain outside right now. figure ill wait for it to stop and try tightening it up some more and see if it goes. but i didnt now that a .5 inch play would cause such burning on the belt. I figured itd squeal a little until its warm enough to catch but not squeal and burn as bad as it is. Also, it stops sqealing at idle, but as i put on the gas, it will scream.

 

[jmitch]

The alt is good since belt is squealing, the squealing comes when there is a load on the alt if the belt isnt tight enough or a worn belt and also a low/bad battery will an extra load on the alt at start up until the car see full voltage.

 

[97gsxIA]

Fixed it, nothing but a lil bit of elbow grease and some belt tightening.. power steering belt was pretty loose too. probably shouldnt have even posted this thread, but hey no one likes a screaming car! thanks for replying bud.