Adjusting alternator belt on 12v 164

[Alfisto Steve]

Well, I had to readjust new alternator belt on my daughter's 91 164 12v today.

It squealed in the morning when she first started car and alternator started charging.

In order to do the job and get a good tension on belt I find it is easier to remove right headlight so I could get leverage under alternator by using a short 4" block of a wooden 2x4 placed just behind lip of bumper and a pry bar so I wouldn't damage top of bumper.

Have to loosen four (4) bolts holding alternator bracket to front head and engine accessory mount bracket. Bottom bolt has nut under alternator in bracket that may have to be held with wrench to loosen and tighten.

Lifted alternator with pry bar and long pipe handle resting on wood block and tightened one bolt then released pry bar and tightened rest of bolts and reinstalled headlight.

[MrT]

I have always done this by loosening the bolts on the alt. bracket. One is a through bolt to a nut on the backside under the alternator 8^(... I have been able to put enough tension on the alt. belt without going in through the headlight housing port. I never enjoy that job.

Michael

[pavanbabut]

I always hated to do this job... I never get it completely right. Since now my headlight is out, I will try this way. -Pavan

[kens]

I developed a method using a harbor freight spring compressor, $10. The technique includes placing a small piece of wood on top of the adjustible section. Turn the crankshaft to get the crank nut flat to pull against. Then tighten between the adjuster and the crank nut. No strong arm tactics required.

In addition, I purchased a small tension measurement device by special order at a parts store. The tension tool is the Gates kricket. So, I could dial in the required tension without any guess work.

I no longer have any 12V engines, so cannot provide pictures.

[AlexGS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisto Steve Lifted alternator with pry bar and long pipe handle resting on wood block and tightened one bolt then released pry bar and tightened rest of bolts and reinstalled headlight.

[Alfisto Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexGS I was a little surprised to read that Alfisto Steve didn't have some special, "simple Tool" like the one in my Agriemach (English company) catalogue (below) I'm actually thinking of ordering this - and a few other cool things - as it's not exactly expensive and looks like a simple, great idea. However in this politically-correct world we live in, it's probably not the best to call it a "one-man" operation. I know that originally, "man" was short for man-kind, but now it's problematic. Meanwhile I thought it was only me that used bits of wood and pipe etc. - thought that real engineers always had better solutions I have also found that about a week after replacing multi-groove drivebelts, I have to retension them. Gates say to run the engine for ten minutes and re-check tension, but I find it's a week. I'd like to know how 'the trade' get around this - I suppose they set 'em up super-tight (to allow for the stretching) and flog out the alternator bearings in the meantime. -Alex

[AlexGS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisto Steve Those listings remind of some special tools, etc... only available here: Little humor please All Products : KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!

[Alfisto Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexGS That site is hilarious But..... awwwww, come on, are you saying that my 'fan belt tightener' is fictitious? -Alex

[jontg428]

I think I might give the engine cleaner a good try!

[Alfissimo Int.]

I remove the wheel and fender cover to access the Alternator and use a pry bar to adjust the tension. Very easy leverage from there. I have also done the 2x4 from under the bumper on a jack and jacked up the alternator and adjusted it that way. But I find I can adjust tension perfect this way. Works for me. I guess there's not only 1 way to skin a fish.
Jason