How do I get the alternator belt tight enough? (Page 2/3)
Blacktree MAR 06, 05:56 PM
On the stock V6, the belt doesn't wrap very far around the pulleys. So keeping the pulleys clean is pretty important. I would suggest scrubbing the pulleys (where the belt touches them) with a scotch-brite pad and some solvent. Alcohol or vinegar would probably work. And don't ever use belt dressing. Belt dressing will glaze the belt, and make it prone to squeaking.

Also, as Tony mentioned, there's a "hack" for tightening the alternator. First you tighten both alternator bolts until they're snug. Then back them off by about 1/4 to 1/2 turn. The alternator should be able to move back and forth, but with some resistance. That will make it easy to tighten the bolts while you're prying on the alternator.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 03-06-2019).]

Rsvl-Rider MAR 06, 07:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by USMUCL:
But for cost and ease of installation, I went the Rodney route. Been good ever since.



I don't see a belt tensioner for the V6 on Rodney's site.
steve308 MAR 06, 07:50 PM
Don't forget tp clean the pulleys . All types of debris has collected on the pulleys over the years and the belt can't get a 'bite' and will chirp and squeal .
Gall757 MAR 06, 07:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by Rsvl-Rider:


I don't see a belt tensioner for the V6 on Rodney's site.



http://rodneydickman.com/ca...o.php?products_id=71

It's technically not a tensioner, but an idler pulley.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 03-06-2019).]

pmbrunelle MAR 06, 08:29 PM
I sandblasted my pulleys to clean and roughen them. I didn't have troubles after that with the stock 2.8 belt setup. I may have heard the occasional belt squeal, but nothing worth addressing.

For my engine rebuild I did buy Rodney's idler, but that was me being in a spendy money-wasting mood rather than trying to fix a problem.

I prefer Rodney idler, since I don't like the idea of having a slotted alternator mount AND a spring-loaded belt tensioner at the same time.
Patrick MAR 06, 10:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by pmbrunelle:

I prefer Rodney idler, since I don't like the idea of having a slotted alternator mount AND a spring-loaded belt tensioner at the same time.



What's the fear, that the slotted mount is going to allow movement due to pressure from the tensioner spring?

I've had Dodgerunner's tensioner installed for over ten years now. Absolutely no problem with the alternator slotted mount.

It's so nice to never have anymore problems with a squeaking squawking alternator belt, especially considering the very wet climate I live in. Just install the belt... and forget about it.
2.5 MAR 07, 10:07 AM
The tensioner is the way to go.
Also only run Goodyear Gatorback belts... Now known as Continental Elite.
pmbrunelle MAR 07, 12:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
What's the fear, that the slotted mount is going to allow movement due to pressure from the tensioner spring?



No, I don't have any doubts regarding the functionality.

I just find it's not a clean setup; the factory wouldn't have done it that way. I like my mods to appear like they could be stock.

Normally, if you have a spring-loaded tensioner, no further adjustment is needed, or desired. If you add a slot for the alternator mount, that's another opportunity for the production line staff to mess up the assembly process, versus there just being a plain hole. You want to design things in such a way that the biggest idiot can assemble your product and have it still work.

Of course, if you have no tensioner, then you must have the slotted alternator mount, along with the adjustment procedure.

It just seems unthinkable to me to have a slotted alternator mount (and its adjustment procedure) AND a spring-loaded tensioner (which needs to be forced against its spring to install the belt). The labour costs would be excessively high... for nothing.

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 03-07-2019).]

Spadesluck MAR 07, 01:11 PM
Dodgerunners mount for the alternator is in a fixed location. It no longer has the ability to slide. The tensioner takes up all the slack.
Patrick MAR 07, 03:40 PM

quote
Originally posted by Spadesluck:

Dodgerunners mount for the alternator is in a fixed location. It no longer has the ability to slide. The tensioner takes up all the slack.



Good point. It's been so long since I installed mine that I didn't remember exactly how things were mounted. You're absolutely right, there's no longer any adjustment available at the slotted alternator mount. This can be seen in the image I posted above. So nothing needs to be manually set. Simply install the correct belt... and never have to worry ever about needing to adjust it.

The is the way is the factory should've done it in the first place.