How do you get enough tension on the alternator belt? (Page 2/2)
computer_engineer SEP 13, 04:51 PM
I have just used a crow bar and a little effort to get mine tight - it has worked for me so far. No squeal.
Formula Owner SEP 13, 05:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by paulmckibben:
Sounds like the alternator hold-down bolt may be slipping.


I don't think that's the case, based on the readings from my belt tension gauge. I'm just not getting it tight enough to start with.


quote
Originally posted by paulmckibben:Check the link below and go to the bottom of the page.

http://fierosails.com/belt.html

Paul McKibben


OK, I want one of those tools. Thanks.
Formula Owner SEP 13, 05:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by da.slyboy:

Not certain if you have the V6 or duke,


My username might be a clue.


quote
Originally posted by da.slyboy:but for the V6 just solve your problem with this http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/039384.html


I may go that route, but first I want to make sure that I'm not band-aid'ing over a problem that needs to be fixed.
Formula Owner SEP 13, 05:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:
Could be the alt and/or water pump has problems and belt is squealing for overload.


I don't think the wp has a problem. When the belt squeals, the voltage is low, indicating that the alternator isn't turning, or isn't turning at full speed.


quote
Originally posted by theogre:
Could be iffy pulley alignment.
Too tight belt is bad as or worse than too loose and belt will have problems even break to cord layer and you have a dead belt.

See my Cave, Serpent Belt


I used to be concerned about over-tightening the belt, but since getting a tension gauge, I see that that's not my problem.
Patrick SEP 13, 06:08 PM

quote
Originally posted by Formula Owner:

My username might be a clue.



I figured as much... but you may have gone through a half dozen different Fieros since May 2001. It's always a good idea to mention the year and engine etc of the car in question when asking advice.
pmbrunelle SEP 13, 09:29 PM
You can try Rodney's idler pulley:
http://rodneydickman.com/ca...th=22&products_id=71

Forum profile information is often not accurate due to the reason Patrick explained.
For instance, my current Fiero is not a Fiero GT... though I used to have one.
KissMySSFiero SEP 14, 03:02 PM
Hands down best option is DodgeRunner's tensioner. I've had it for a couple years. I haven't had any issues since.
I think I spent less time installing it and putting the belt on than I would have just fighting with the stock setup.

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/039384.html

------------------
SSFiero@Aol.com

Crasian SEP 14, 03:23 PM
Dodge runner auto belt tensioner For The Win!!! I do that on every single V6 Fiero I own and recommend it to all my FIERO friends. Hands down the best set up to stop the belt squeal problem, period..
Formula Owner APR 30, 07:56 AM
An update. I bought a manual belt tensioner, and used it to tighten my belts. The worst one was the A/C belt. This also took more effort than I planned. It's a bit of a pain to get the tensioner positioned between the pulleys. If Dodgerunner's kit worked for the A/C belt, too, I'd get one.

Anyway... Both belts were loose (even though both are Gates). The alternator belt would slip in the morning until the belt warmed up. The A/C belt would squall horribly about 50% of the time. I managed to get both belts in the 85-95lb range of tension. Now both are perfectly quiet. I guess it remains to be seen how long this lasts.