What happens if you put the wrong belt on your alternator?
What happens if you put the wrong belt on your alternator?
Different vehicles have different sized belts and installing the wrong size could result in failing to power the accessories or even damage to the engine. If your old belt was loose because it had stretched over time, take that into consideration when comparing the two belts.
Where does the serpentine belt go on an alternator?
If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.
How do you check the tension on an alternator belt?
Check the belt tension. Once you have released the auto-tensioner or tightened the alternator bolts, check the tension of the belt to make sure it has seated properly on all pulleys. Pinch the belt between your thumb and index finger and try to wiggle it. There should be very little give to a properly installed alternator or serpentine belt.
Why does my serpentine belt keep slipping on pulleys?
Serpentine belts stretch with age and use, but the tensioner is spring-loaded to keep the belt tight on the pulleys. If a belt starts slipping, the tensioner should always be checked to see if it is functioning properly.
Different vehicles have different sized belts and installing the wrong size could result in failing to power the accessories or even damage to the engine. If your old belt was loose because it had stretched over time, take that into consideration when comparing the two belts.
If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.
How to identify your GM alternator USA built high output?
This is just a quick visual identification guide for Delco type alternators. First Alternator used on GM Vehicles to replace old DC Generators. External regulator mounted on the firewall.
Check the belt tension. Once you have released the auto-tensioner or tightened the alternator bolts, check the tension of the belt to make sure it has seated properly on all pulleys. Pinch the belt between your thumb and index finger and try to wiggle it. There should be very little give to a properly installed alternator or serpentine belt.
