Belt Tension.

[pf1130]

I put some new valve covers on my car the other day and to do so had to remove the alternator (80'), after i put the alternator back i noticed the AC is not working as well? and upon opening the hood it seems to me that the compressor and belts are not working as smoothly as before. How can i tell the correct tension to have on the belts?? thanks

 

[Robin7TFour]

i prefer tthe german method of gutentite. however you may want to tighten to about a half inch of deflection in the belt. the a/c will tell you if it's still too loose..

robin

 

[pf1130]

How do i know if its too tight??

?

 

[Robin7TFour]

a/c 's like to be tight. if there is no movement up or down that's the first indication. if you're still unsure adjust a little at a time till the a/c stops slippinng and squealing. then shut it off and feel how that is. trying to duplicate it the next time.
hope that helps. it is hard to teach someone how to feel the proper tension via keyboard. i've been doing it so long tightening belts is second nature.


robin

 

[pf1130]

thanks

ill take another stab at it

 

[Robin7TFour]

pf i have seen some guy at work crank all their muscles to get them tight . just puts extra wear on the belt and nose bearing. get the belt nice and tight (gutentite) and you'll be ok.
if you get really stuck, email me and i'll send you my cell number. then maybe someday you can come north to the land of the rat..

robin