Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it?
| [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229163] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 15:11  |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Now I see why there is an aftermarket solution to this problem. Is there a
trick to getting the alternator belt sufficiently tight? My belt screams. I
can see where the mounting bolts can slide in the bracket, and they are
currently at the bottom of that slide meaning that there's plenty of room
for the alternator to come up which will increase the belt tension.
I just can't seem to get the alternator to move up any.
The bolts are all loose, so I think the alternator should move fairly
freely but it's not.
Suggestions advice? All are much appreciated.
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229165 is a reply to message #229164] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 15:29  |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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| Darryl wrote on Sun, 10 November 2013 13:19 |
Robin
I use a three-foot crow bar with a small piece of wood to protect the valve cover. I carry the bar in the coach.
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Ditto. You need to be a little more careful with the power steering pump since you need to push against the thin metal body of the pump. I use a short piece of hardwood for that, to distribute the pressure more evenly.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229169 is a reply to message #229163] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 16:14 |
Don A
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
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I would NOT push on the power steering pump, block or no block!!
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/don/p48844-alternator-belt-tensio.html
| Robin Hood wrote on Sun, 10 November 2013 15:11 |
Now I see why there is an aftermarket solution to this problem. Is there a
trick to getting the alternator belt sufficiently tight? My belt screams. I
can see where the mounting bolts can slide in the bracket, and they are
currently at the bottom of that slide meaning that there's plenty of room
for the alternator to come up which will increase the belt tension.
I just can't seem to get the alternator to move up any.
The bolts are all loose, so I think the alternator should move fairly
freely but it's not.
Suggestions advice? All are much appreciated.
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
[IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229171 is a reply to message #229169] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 16:16 |
Don A
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Karma: 0
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Pivot bolt also loose? Maybe there is a tight pinch there.
Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
[IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229174 is a reply to message #229171] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 17:16 |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Yup, everything was loose. Well, everything that I knew about. I loosened a
total of three nuts/bolts/whatevers. The pivot on the passenger side of the
alternator, and the front and rear bolts on the drivers side, both of which
ride in their own brackets with a channel in them so they can slide slide
slippity slide.... sorry been drinking a bit...
I solved the tension issue by using a tow strap whose S-hook just fit
between the rear bracket and the alternator itself, hooking the bolt that
goes into the alternator. The other end of the strap was tied around a 2x4
that was completely outside the engine compartement that I used as a lever.
Fulcrum at the end, load in themiddle, force at the end of the lever arm.
Dana provided oomph whilst I tightened everything down again. The
alternator belt seemed tight enough. It twanged like a guitar string, and
just moved a little bit when I pushed on it. Will see if that worked.
Editing together a video.
Epic day today.
On Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 4:16 PM, Don Adams <dj.adams@att.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Pivot bolt also loose? Maybe there is a tight pinch there.
> --
> Don Adams Dallas, TX
> '76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
> rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba [IMG]
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229177 is a reply to message #229174] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 17:42 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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I just use a steel rod (or a long 18" socket extension) against the side of the alternator and the bracket. This gives me plenty of leverage to tighten the alternator. I just hold it with one hand and tighten the inside sliding bracket bolt with the other hand. Then tighten the front bracket and the pivot bolt.
Quick and simple without jury rigging up any other straps or levers.
I've been doing it this way for the 32 years I've owned the GMC without any belt tension problems.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
On Nov 10, 2013, at 4:16 PM, Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com> wrote:
> Yup, everything was loose. Well, everything that I knew about. I loosened a
> total of three nuts/bolts/whatevers. The pivot on the passenger side of the
> alternator, and the front and rear bolts on the drivers side, both of which
> ride in their own brackets with a channel in them so they can slide slide
> slippity slide.... sorry been drinking a bit...
>
> I solved the tension issue by using a tow strap whose S-hook just fit
> between the rear bracket and the alternator itself, hooking the bolt that
> goes into the alternator. The other end of the strap was tied around a 2x4
> that was completely outside the engine compartement that I used as a lever.
> Fulcrum at the end, load in themiddle, force at the end of the lever arm.
> Dana provided oomph whilst I tightened everything down again. The
> alternator belt seemed tight enough. It twanged like a guitar string, and
> just moved a little bit when I pushed on it. Will see if that worked.
>
> Editing together a video.
>
> Epic day today.
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 4:16 PM, Don Adams <dj.adams@att.net> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>
>> Pivot bolt also loose? Maybe there is a tight pinch there.
>> --
>> Don Adams Dallas, TX
>> '76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
>> rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba [IMG]
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Robin Hood
> Jackson, MS
> 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
> 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229178 is a reply to message #229177] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 18:15 |
Mitch
Messages: 272
Registered: May 2009
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I had the same problem on my rig - the belts had stretched just enough that the adjusting slide was all the way out.
I called Jim K. and they have a simple adjustment piece that goes on the lower side of the alternator.
Eh Walla - silence!
I love easy fixes.
Mitch
Tacoma, Wa.
'80 Spitfire
'03 Windstar
'77 Jaguar XJ6-C
X(very)'76 PB 26 "The Beast"
Where it rains, always.
It's wet, No sun, Gray.
Go to Oregon.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229183 is a reply to message #229163] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 18:49 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Robin Hood wrote on Sun, 10 November 2013 13:11 |
Now I see why there is an aftermarket solution to this problem. Is there a
trick to getting the alternator belt sufficiently tight? My belt screams. I
can see where the mounting bolts can slide in the bracket, and they are
currently at the bottom of that slide meaning that there's plenty of room
for the alternator to come up which will increase the belt tension.
I just can't seem to get the alternator to move up any.
The bolts are all loose, so I think the alternator should move fairly
freely but it's not.
Suggestions advice? All are much appreciated.
|
While I understand you got it done ...
I use the scissor jack from my towd and a 2 1/2 foot long 2x2 "stick". I place the jack under the item needing the belt tightened and using the stick jack it until the belt is tight enough. Then I can take my time to tighten the bolts up.
I keep the "stick" under the dinette seat and I can take it to what ever coach I am using.
Works for me.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229221 is a reply to message #229163] |
Sun, 10 November 2013 23:03 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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After all of these suggestions, what I do not understand is you said the you can not move the alternator at all.
You should have been able to move the alternator the other direction to loosen the belt. It should move easily. If it doesn't move that direction easily then one of the 3 bolts is not loose enough. After you get it to move easily then move it the correct direction to tighten it and use a short piece of 1x2 or a socket extension to apply a little extra pressure on the alternator. It literally is a 5 minute job to adjust the alternator belt tension.
I hope you got the correct belt.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Alternator tension. How to get it? [message #229236 is a reply to message #229163] |
Mon, 11 November 2013 00:22 |
Mitch
Messages: 272
Registered: May 2009
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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have you loosened all three bolts? There is one on the underside.| Robin Hood wrote on Sun, 10 November 2013 13:11 |
Now I see why there is an aftermarket solution to this problem. Is there a
trick to getting the alternator belt sufficiently tight? My belt screams. I
can see where the mounting bolts can slide in the bracket, and they are
currently at the bottom of that slide meaning that there's plenty of room
for the alternator to come up which will increase the belt tension.
I just can't seem to get the alternator to move up any.
The bolts are all loose, so I think the alternator should move fairly
freely but it's not.
Suggestions advice? All are much appreciated.
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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Mitch
Tacoma, Wa.
'80 Spitfire
'03 Windstar
'77 Jaguar XJ6-C
X(very)'76 PB 26 "The Beast"
Where it rains, always.
It's wet, No sun, Gray.
Go to Oregon.
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