I just put a 200 amp alternator and when i start the truck it squeals so I changed the belt. No help from that so I sprayed belt squeak stop on it. helped for 2 minutes then did it again. then I changed the tensioner pulley assembly (gates) and it stopped most of the squealing but it still has a little. I'm curious if anyone has any more ideas. should I get a new belt because of the belt dressing. I thought about putting a bigger pulley on the alternator but that would drop the output and I need it all. I have 4 4 gauge and 2 8 gauge wires drawing close to max power running off the battery plus lots of smaller wires don't ask me how. thanks in advance

 

Welcome to FTE.

Sounds like you took care of the tensioner, they tend to get weak with age and likely part of the problem. The pulleys might have some gunk on them, so might want to clean them off separately with brake clean(watch getting it on everything). Then put belt back on. Might need to get new belt in the end?

Why the big alt? Have you tried unhooking the added accy's and see if that helps unload the alt enough to get it to not squeal when starting? Can you control the accy's to turn them off when starting truck?

 

Stay away from belt dressings, a good working belt wouldn't need it. Try a Gatorback.

 

is gatorback better than gates because i claimed my gates on warranty saying it was squealing and i cleaned the pulleys with brake cleaner before putting it on and it still does it.

 

I would suggest you get a 2 foot length of garden hose, and with the engine running, and be very careful, try and pinpoint the squealing. Place one end to your ear and move it around the suspect area.

I believe it's a pully with a load on it, or it is dragging. A/C units are noted for that, a/c on or not.

 

its deffinately the alternator because when i put my air compressors on it starts squeaking from trying to make more energy. i already narrowed it down to the alt belt slipping but how do i stop it

 

I have on board air with two rather strong compressors and i guess what you can call an extreme audio system. plus lots more pulling out of the battery

 

your 200 amp. alt is a larger resistance drag than the stock system can pull, you will need to go to a wider belt and pulley or larger diameter pulley to get more surface area for gripping or set up a hand throttle to keep the rpms. up while using your accesories.
thats why a lot of the old v belts had double pulleys to get more surface area and keep the bearings intact.

 

Well Lillbro,
I would suggest ya upgrade to one of those Chain-Drive pully systems. All them there doo-dads and whatnots are just asking too much for a drive belt designed for the basic service. Thats just like kicking the dog, when he keeps breaking a dime-store chain.

Ps. Are the compressors for work? Air tools?

 

yes they run impact wrenches most of the time. plus some fun things like a train horn.

 

any idea where i can find parts to upgrade

 

And you can still hear a belt squeal over them??????? ha ha...

 

ya they are rarely used usually when i'm pulling a trailer and some jerkoff pulls out in front of me i like to give them a piece of mind.

 

My nephew upgraded his system to a train horn. He reached in and nailed it while I was leaning against his hood. 3 people had to hold me back. I wannata jam it up his a$$.

Train horns belong on trains. Period.

 

haha they aren't real train horns. much quieter but still get ur attention