Alternator belt change

[VisionIsle]

The bracket used to tighten my alternator belt is at its max and the belt is getting loose. Ive purchased a smaller belt but need some help on how to replace it. My engines a Volvo AQ240A (351Windsor). There is another belt in fron of it in its way.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Alternator belt change

You will need to remove all (any of) the belts that are in front of it first. Take them all off and go to parts store and match them up, now is the time to replace them all while they are off, its to late to replace them when they break! IMO the best option is to purchase them from the dealer, you will pay more but you will get the correct belt and the quality is guaranteed. Some belts can look right but the taper may be wrong which can lead to the problem you are having now. They usually don’t stretch much but if the taper of the belt doesn’t match the pulley’s they will continue to wear prematurely until they are either to long or break. Good luck.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alternator belt change

I would also bet you have a lot of rust on the pulleys. That eats the belts up and causes them to get narrower which makes them appear longer.<br />Get the pulleys cleaned up smooth and repainted with some good enamel. Let it dry overnight for best results, then put the new belts on.<br />Not sure which size belt you have for sure, but you may have a wider belt than most automotive vbelts. That would cause them to sit too low in the pulley.