Alternator Belt Problems
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From: SE Alabama
Alternator Belt Problems
Alright, the alternator belt squealed on start up since I bought this truck. I replaced it. Somehow it came loose and was toast within a week. I replaced it again and was sure to crank down on it this time. Worked well for a month or so, but now it's starting to squeal more and more. Now it squeals as much as when i bought the truck... (still onyl on start up, or when sudden burst of throttle)
This belt is "slick", but that's probably from the belt conditioner I used on it.
Why's my truck eating belts??
The truck is a fuel injected 302.
This belt is "slick", but that's probably from the belt conditioner I used on it.
Why's my truck eating belts??
The truck is a fuel injected 302.
Last edited by Americanmadeford; Apr 15, 2007 at 04:04 PM.
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From: Billings Montana
My 86 F-250 is doing the exact same thing with it's power steering belt. It's been driving me nuts! The thing to do is clean the groove of the pulley out with some brake cleaner and take some sandpaper and rough up the groove so the belt won't squeal. This takes the possibility of oil being in the groove and letting the belt slip and squeal out of the question.
Also, make sure when you buy a belt that it fits completely inside the groove and not half in/half out.
Also, make sure when you buy a belt that it fits completely inside the groove and not half in/half out.
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From: Virginia
When you install a new belt, unless you have the type with the spring loaded tensioner, you can't tighten it and then let it go. After a couple of days, you need to go out and re-tighten it. After a couple of weeks, re-tighten it again. It will usually settle down after this and stay tight.
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I feel you here. My 86 Ford F150 300 Inline 6 Manual Tranny does the squealing belt too. A major nuisance in my book. Im not sure what is the deal. I did belt conditioner and new belts as well without resolve. so if you figure this one out let me know. parts store says my alternator is fine so im stumped. Best of luck to you.
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From: SE Alabama
Thanks for the replies.
I cleaned the pullies with brake cleaner and steel wool, then put on a new belt. Ill adjust it again in a few day. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer.
I cleaned the pullies with brake cleaner and steel wool, then put on a new belt. Ill adjust it again in a few day. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer.
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From: SE Alabama
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From: Virginia
I would look at the pulleys themselves. If the engine has a lot of miles, sometimes the pulleys can spread open and wear out.
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From: Niceville, FL.
Check for misalignment of one or more pulleys. If a pulley is "cocked" or offset with respect to the belt then slippage is almost certain. Usually you can spot a misaligned pulley by "sighting" along the belt.
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Recently had the battery go dead on my 1985 F150. I have always tested the alternator belt tightness by trying to gently turn the alternator pulley against the belt, as well as pressing down on the belt at midpoint.
As unscientific as that seems, I have been doing it since 1984 with no dead batteries due to a loose alternator belt.
Then a couple weeks ago the truck was dead. No squealing belts ever, but sometimes the intermittent wipers would lag a bit.
Alternator belt seemed snug. Service station stated otherwise and tightened it. No problems since.
So what is the best way to tighten an old-style belt, i.e. without a tensioner, not a serpentine, etc?
As unscientific as that seems, I have been doing it since 1984 with no dead batteries due to a loose alternator belt.
Then a couple weeks ago the truck was dead. No squealing belts ever, but sometimes the intermittent wipers would lag a bit.
Alternator belt seemed snug. Service station stated otherwise and tightened it. No problems since.
So what is the best way to tighten an old-style belt, i.e. without a tensioner, not a serpentine, etc?
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From: Niceville, FL.
I tighten mine to where there is about 1/2 inch deflection midway between pulleys on the longest belt run. Not as good as using a belt tension measuring tool but it works for me. OBTW, if you have dual drive belts for A/C, alternator, etc., always buy a matched set rather than two individual belts.
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
I've always tightened them to less than 1/2 inch of deflection, no less than 3/8 of an inch though. You might consider getting a serpentine setup from a similar year crown vic. It is a lot LESS prone to slippage.