1995 VP 5.8Fsi alternator issues

[mcperrault]

I have a 1995 Volvo 5.8Fsi driving my 25' Chris Craft Concept.<br /><br />I keep busting alternator belts. I'm replacing them, running the engine at the dock and "burning in the belt", then checking the belt tension.<br /><br />I've checked the alternator alignment and it's fine. The last thing I can think of is a worn pulley allowing the belt to drop too far into the groove. So, I'm thinking of buying a new pulley (vp part 3853755-1). Am I wasting my $$$?<br /><br />Million dollar questions - What is the volvo part number for the belt? How do I find the exact specs (length and width)?<br /><br />Figuring this one out will ensure I don't have too dark of a 4th of July!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /> Mark

 

[a.d.mobile]

Re: 1995 VP 5.8Fsi alternator issues

when belt is off have you spun the pully? maybe bearing froze up in the thing???

 

[mcperrault]

Re: 1995 VP 5.8Fsi alternator issues

With the belt off the pulley spins fine. No wobble, VERY smooth.<br /><br />Thanks for the quick response.<br /><br />Mark

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: 1995 VP 5.8Fsi alternator issues

Bunch of questions to help us along:<br /><br />How tight do you get the belt?<br /><br />Does the belt flip over first ,then break?<br /><br />Or does it simply break?<br /><br />Can you confirm all pulleys are aligned?<br /><br />What was the first occurance of this? What has changed to make this happen?<br /><br />Ken

 

[mcperrault]

Re: 1995 VP 5.8Fsi alternator issues

Ken,<br /> I've been installing the belt with minimal play initially. Then after the "burn in / stretch", I make sure I have about 1/8 inch of play.<br /><br />I haven't seen the belt break. It seems to happen when I'm at about 3500 rpm cruising. It happened once while I was coming up on plane (about the same 3500 rpm).<br /><br />I've checked the alternator pulley and the crankshaft pulley for alignment and they appear to be dead on.<br /><br />This first started happening last fall. There wasn't anything done to the engine prior to this happening. I just noticed the alt output drop on the gauge and then some rough running at idle. <br /><br />I replaced the belt and we laid it up for the winter. I had my mechanic take a look at it when he was doing pm (preventative maint) and getting it ready for summer. He confirmed all the pulleys were in alignment. He was the one who suggested I look at getting a new alternator pulley.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /> Mark