Tightening up Alternator Belt??

[79BIG10]

Okay here's my dilemma- I've got a chrome alternator and a chrome alternator bracket and I'm having trouble getting the belt tight enough. Just when I get it tight as I can it loosens up. There's no movement in the alternator itself (used pencil mark to make sure) after the engine has ran but the belt is loose. The belt has been replaced with a new one same size and still having issues. I can't use a prybar like on the old bracket that had a whole in the top where you can stick pry against. Also I've done as close as I can with the prybar against the water pump and still no luck. I've even used a strap wrench and pried and still loose. I'm at my wits end. Kevin Shortell once mentioned about a alternator tool that helped tighten the belt and he got it at AutoZone. I've been there and other places and no one has heard of it or carry it for rent or for sale. Anybody know what else I can do other than a serpentine system?

[swervin ervin]

Brandon,

I use a rubber hammer handle to pry might tight. I think the tool you mention is like a hook or something and it wraps around the alternator.

What type belts are you using? I highly recommend the Dayco Top Cog belts. They are probably 2 or 3 times as high as a regular smooth belt but well worth the extra money. I had trouble with regular belts staying tight before. Never a problem since going with the Top Cogs.

[79BIG10]

I've tried the hammer handle and still can't get it tight enough for the standard style belts. I'll go tomorrow and get some new belts when I get a blower motor as well. Can I get the belts at most part stores?

[79BIG10]

You're right on the tool it's like a hook that goes around the alternator and catches on the edge on the casing and uses a socket wrench to tighten it up.

[swervin ervin]

Should be able to. I bought mine at Advance. Make sure you get the right size also. If they don't fit the pulleys correctly, they will squeal too. I use a 15445 Dayco Top Cog on my alternator. I'm guessing it would work on your truck too.

[87 STEPPER]

Brandon,

I know the tool your looking for it's a turn barrel type tool with a set of v shaped end's on it that fit into the pullys groves and you just turn it with a wrench untill the belt has the proper tension on it.

It's alot like this one but the v end's are reverse

www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=58

You should be able to get one at Sears i sorta remember seeing them there.

Another thing that may help is a serated washer between the alt and that chrome bracket so it's got some grip sometimes the crome is slipery.

[79BIG10]

You happen to have the power steering pump belt number as well? While i'm there I better replace it as well. Thanks for the help

[swervin ervin]

15450, but do you have a single small pulley like mine or do you have the double large pulley that was used with AC?

[79BIG10]

I've got the double used with AC I think. I know the pulley was replaced with the new p/s pump with the same style. The truck came with AC from the factory.

[Nvbowtie]

Originally Posted by 79BIG10

I've tried the hammer handle and still can't get it tight enough for the standard style belts. I'll go tomorrow and get some new belts when I get a blower motor as well. Can I get the belts at most part stores?

Hoss, I say again HOSS,

just grab that sucker and pull back and tighten that bugger up
time to put some hustle behind that slimmed down Texas muscle.

[ocbaud]

i've always used a long breaker bar to tighten up my alternator.

also: i'm sure i've posted about my friend who is working on his engine. the one who first started it about 10 times for 5-10 seconds each. well, i was working with him yesterday trying to help him wire up his alternator, when i noticed that the belt isnt tight at all. AT ALL. i could spin the flex fan freely and the belt just stays in the same position, same with the alt. pulley.

edit: he is one of those people that disconnect the powersteering pump and drive it around with just the lines disconnected/capped so that he has "manual steering" for more power

[79BIG10]

I guess I'll have to try and get that alternator tight with those muscles you talk about, LOL!!

Eric- What is this guy thinking?!?!?!?