How tight should alternator belt be Miata?
Factory manual spec is 10-11mm (. 34-. 39in) deflection on the top run with 10 kg(22lbs) force down. That is tighter than most of us feel comfortable with otherwise.
Where does the belt go on a Miata?
The belt closest to the radiator goes from the engine to the air conditioner compressor then the power steering. Not all miatas have this belt depending on A/C on power steering. The tension in this belt comes from the air conditioner compressor pulley. The tensioner (circled) needs to be adjusted to remove the belt.
Where does the tension come from on an alternator?
The second belt goes from the engine to the water pump pulley above then the alternator. The tension in this belt comes from the alternator compressor pulley. The tensioner (circled) needs to be adjusted to remove the belt. Again, three bolts are used to adjust this tensioner. Bolt 2 is access from under and behind the alternator.
How to replace, replace and tighten accessory belts?
Put the new belt on the alternator loop. First wrap it around the water pump pulley, then the engine pulley (the grove closest to the engine) and lastly around the alternator. As you tighten bolt 3, check the tension on the belt with yourcalibratedfinger. The belt need to be tightened so that 22 lbs causes 1/3 inch deflection.
How to remove accessory belts for a radiator?
Open your hood. To get at the belts you must remove the air duct just behind your radiator. It is attached at three points. Use your screwdriver to loosen the clamps on either end, then remove the middle clip with pliers. Wiggle the duct off each connection. 2
The belt closest to the radiator goes from the engine to the air conditioner compressor then the power steering. Not all miatas have this belt depending on A/C on power steering. The tension in this belt comes from the air conditioner compressor pulley. The tensioner (circled) needs to be adjusted to remove the belt.
The second belt goes from the engine to the water pump pulley above then the alternator. The tension in this belt comes from the alternator compressor pulley. The tensioner (circled) needs to be adjusted to remove the belt. Again, three bolts are used to adjust this tensioner. Bolt 2 is access from under and behind the alternator.
Put the new belt on the alternator loop. First wrap it around the water pump pulley, then the engine pulley (the grove closest to the engine) and lastly around the alternator. As you tighten bolt 3, check the tension on the belt with yourcalibratedfinger. The belt need to be tightened so that 22 lbs causes 1/3 inch deflection.
Open your hood. To get at the belts you must remove the air duct just behind your radiator. It is attached at three points. Use your screwdriver to loosen the clamps on either end, then remove the middle clip with pliers. Wiggle the duct off each connection. 2