What to do if your alternator belt tension is too tight?

What to do if your alternator belt tension is too tight?

If less than 5/16 in. (7.94 mm), the alternator belt tension is too tight. (5) Adjust the belt tension as required to get 5/16 in. (7.94 mm) distance (deflection). C. Belt Tension Gage using Lycoming tool number ST-131 (Figure 1): (1) Extend the hook to its extreme position by depressing the handle.

Can a loose alternator belt cause a boat to squeal?

While the alternator tension is loose, you can remove the belt from the alternator wheel to check for bad bearings if you think this is an issue. These could cause extra strain on the belt and squealing.

What to do if your alternator is overheating?

Spin the alternator and check for rumbling or restricted spinning. Symptoms also include overheating, burnt belt smell, and excess belt wear. While the engine is running, a good mechanic may determine overheating by touching near the bearings, but the typical boater shouldn’t risk getting burned.

What’s the best way to tighten a drive belt?

Tighten the bolt until there is about 1/2 inch of slack on the belt. This measurement can be done using a small ruler placed above the belt. Another option is to use a drive belt tension gauge to get accurate readings about the play on the belt.

How do you tighten the belt on an alternator?

Loosen the nut and bolt, after which you will have to set the alternator against the belt. Now you need to tighten the slider bolt and the tensioner lock bolt. You even need to check the tension in the belt while tightening it. Tighten the bolt until there is about 1/2 inch of slack on the belt.

Where is the tensioner on an alternator?

The tensioner may be found on the alternator or a pulley; it varies by vehicle and which belt is being tightened. This article will use an alternator belt tensioner as an example. The alternator will have one bolt that secures it in a fixed location and allows it to pivot.

Where is the tensioner on the drive belt?

Step 1: Locate the drive belt tensioner. The drive belt assembly will have a specific component that tightens that belt. The tensioner may be found on the alternator or a pulley; it varies by vehicle and which belt is being tightened. This article will use an alternator belt tensioner as an example.

Why does my alternator belt not go down?

During the measurement of the belt slack, it the belt does not go down ½ inch, you will have to release tension off the tensioner bolt. A tighter belt can even be a result of the belt being smaller than what is required around the alternator.