Loose belt question

[2ifbyc]

I had a squeak at idle and realized it was the belt around the alternator. I have had a mechanic tighten it for me. It was fine for a week then started squeeking again. He came with a big bar for leverage and tightened it again. Its been about 2 weeks and its loose again and squeeking. Why does it keep loosening and what do i do? Btw its a 1990 Mercruiser 454 Mag 7.4 L

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Loose belt question

Get a new belt of good quality dayco, goodyear, ect. Sounds like the belt is worn out and streched, shorten the life of the bearings by tightening the snot of out it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Loose belt question

I`d find another mechanic unless you want to pay him to replace your alt and engine circ pump.A new /wider/mrtric belt would be the better choice.Also make sure there is no rust where the pulley rides. rust will eat a belt in no time.

 

[Don S]

Re: Loose belt question

I would bet you have a black dust all around the belt area. Rusty pulleys eat the belt like sand paper.

 

[2ifbyc]

Re: Loose belt question

The belt is brand new. As for the black dust, I havent seen any. Is there a specific size and type belt I should get?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Loose belt question

Ayuh,... I'm bettin' Rusted pulleys...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Loose belt question

more like width, the top of the belt should ride just at the top of the pully

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Loose belt question

Slight misalignemnt of either alternator or powersteering accys. will cause belt to squeel, sometimes you can see alignment problems by closing one eye, if not use a straight edge across pullys face to face.