Re: [DML] Strange Noise and belt problem

["DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxx>]

Joe,

Replace the belt and do the following. Prior to installing the new belt check to be sure that the alternator pulley rotates freely by hand, next install the new belt. Check to be sure that the belt is not making contact with any of the alternator attachment bolts. Be sure not to over-tighten the tension on the belt. After your adjustment push down on the belt midway between the alternator and water pump pulleys, Minimum deflection should be no less than 1/2 inch.

Possible causes of your belt failure could be over-tensioning. If the belt is too tight it could overheat and disintegrate. It is also possible that you may have a defective belt. If the belt was purchased from us will be happy to send you a free replacement.

"We're here to help you"

DMC Help / De Lorean Services / <dmchelp@xxxx>
Web Site: <www.deloreanservices.com>

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Joe Palatinus 
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 12:25 AM
Subject: [DML] Strange Noise and belt problem


Well Have I had an interesting weekend or what? After I put my Delco
alternator back in (had to get a bolt tightend and voltage regulator
replaced) I noticed a squealing noise comming from the engine when the
alternator was under heavey load (A/c max blower 4) It would only make
this noise in idle or low gears. When I took the car to the Alternator
repair shop to ask what they though the noise was, the man assured me that
it was not the Alternator, but that the belt was not tight enough. Sure
enoguht, I got a crow bar, tightened the belt, and had no problems for the
rest of the day. The next morning I got the same noise. The belt felt
loose again, but the tensioner was still at the same place. I tightened it
to max and the noise went away that time as well. Last night, I was
driving home, and all the sudden, my voltage went to 0, and as I was
turning on my road, I watched my temperature guage rise like a rabbid jack
rabbit. I made it home on a GUll-wing and a prayer, immediately shut off
the car, and watched the gallons of coolant and smoke spew out. After it
cooled down I went out with a flashlight, and noticed that there was no
Alternator/Water pump belt. I also noticed a lot of black dust by the belt
drive pulley. ( where the belt was suppsed to be)I had noticed this black
dust before, when the belt was there, but paid not attention to it. The
belt did not simply fall off, it disintegrated. What caused this to
happen? I was a new belt. 
Thanks
Joe Palatinus
VIN 17167 6808





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