[DML] Re: Alternator Belt

["Harold McElraft" <hmcelraft@xxxxxxx>]

Good question. The manual (M:04:01) says 6-10 mm with moderate thumb 
pressure from the top. So what is moderate and how do you measure 
the deflection? I use to do it with a long straight edge I had and I 
used a flat edge to deflect the belt.

I found that the best way to assure proper tightening was to do it 
when the engine is cold. After a few service cycles I retightened 
the belt with the engine cold.

After a few belt replacements I just went with the feel. Usually the 
belt will slip some if the car has been in the rain and the engine 
is cold. Otherwise I have had no problems - except a defective belt 
broke on me once (a Gates). I know it was defective because I could 
never get the belt quite tight enough. It would not feel tight and 
it slipped a lot. Before I could replace it split apart and came 
off. New belt too. So, if a belt seems to be giving a problem 
replace it. I always carry a new spare - it is just too critical a 
belt.

Harold McElraft - 3354


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, doctorDHD@xxxx wrote:
>  
>  
> So what exactly is THE correct way to adjust the tension of a 
belt? I have  
> heard and read that you should be able to deflect it about a 1/2", 
but this  
> method always makes me wonder about how hard to push on it.
>  
> Also what is the best way / tool to use to apply the tension 
with.  I  seems 
> to remember that on a Dodge I had there was a place to attach a  
torque wrench 
> to the alternator so you could actually measure the tension. 
>  
> ...It is unlikely you will get the correct tension doing it with 
the  
> screwdriver as 
> tight as you can method. 
> 
> 
> D² & 6530
> 
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






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