Alternator belt problems

[mikey]

Hi all,
I'm having issues with my alternator belt. Am onto my 4th alternator belt in 2 months, keep changing brands to try and fix the slippage that occurs on the odd occasion.

I'm continually adjusting to the right tension, and nothing I do seems to sort out the problem.

The belts are always the right lengths, and are readjusted at the first sound of slippage.

Could there be another problem here? Perhaps the water pump pulley is seizing?

Any ideas or help would be very much appreciated!

1990 NA 1600

[Fletch]

With the altenator belt off, the water-pump pulley should spin freely and noise-less-ly... just give it a whirl....

Thats not a 100% conclusive test... but any sticking or noise is cause for concern.

Also, check the tightness (or even presence!) of the lower bolt on the altenator that the unit pivots on.

Also, how tight can you tighten the lock-bolt on the tightener mechanism?(not the tensioner bolt). Some years ago, the metal block in mine threaded and could no-longer hold tension... so now it has a nut on the front of it, and all has been well since... (5+ years).

Fletch.

[mikey]

Thanks Fletch.

Just found out the fan is the source of all the noise. Time to pull it out!

[SLYDIT]

Also with all that slipping, you may have polished the pulleys so that they dont grip properly anymore. Its a good idea to get some 80 grit or 150 grit and just lightly scuff the grooves of the pulleys to increase the grip.