alternator question

[walkinfool]

hi folks,

i'm a fairly new 2002 owner ('72 malaga) but have been reading the forum for years and think its an invaluable resource. that being said, i could use a bit of help.

i noticed some squeeling under the hood recently and determined that it likely was from the v-belt. pulled the alternator slipped the new belt on and am having a heck of a time re-aligning the alternator with the top bracket so that i can get the top bolt in place. the new belt seems a bit tighter but i have verified its the correct size (875).

are there any tips to aligning the alternator with the top bracket? there just doesn't seem to be much play at all and i'm worried that once i get it bolted in place, it'll be too tight.

have searched the forum and haven't found anything specifically related to this issue.

any help would be appreciated.

cheers,

[jimk]

There are various diameter crankshaft pulleys. Maybe you have the larger one and an 875 won't make it. The belts are available in various lengths. I use a longer one also. Parts stores can look for the next size for you.

[c.d.iesel]

also sounds like you need new urethane

bushings installed in the alternator

eyeball the alignment of the alternator and

warter pump pulleys - they should be straight

if the alternator pully is at an angle -

you need new bushings.

find urethane instead of rubber replacements

the rubber tends to fail quickly

go for a 900 x 9.3 (9.5) if your 875 belt won't fit

[walkinfool]

the bushings are still fairly solid but i plan to switch to urethane soon. i ended up going with the next larger sized belt and everything went back together just fine. thanks for the advice!