Squealing Altinator belt '89 200TQ

[SuffolkD at aol.com]

Jim:

I think Brett or one of the listmeisters mentions a service bulletin about 
underdriving the alt at idle because of the pulley size.  This may be your fix.  
Otherwise check your tension at the back alt bracket.  I just did this and 
posted this info:

IF Replacing it (the belt) yourself: Crawl under and check out the assembly.
There is a bolt on the back of the alt that seems like its an adjustment for 
tensioning the belt.  It runs through the center of a (star wheel that moves) 
in the teethed channel of a bracket.  IT DOES NOT.

The BENTLEY is very vague here.
that 13?mm bolt is supposed to have a tension of like 22 ft lbs. (someone 
with the correct spec please chime in) all it does is snug the star wheel to the 
alt casting.
A larger mm box wrench is used on the outside edges of the star wheel (look 
close the edges are flattened to accept a open ended box wrench) to make the 
tension (to the belt) adjustment.  The smaller bolt through the center of the 
wheel just holds the star wheel in place.......... to keep it from slipping 
loose and putting slack back into the belt.

To "pry" or move the alt back and forth I found a large 3/4" extension 18" 
long or so, worked for leverage.  This was placed carefully against the block.

The Bentley mentions loosening the top pivot bolt on top of the alt which 
seems to go the engine block.  I found that bolt inaccessible.

This is not the preferred Bentley method.  It worked for me.  It may not for 
you.
This just swings the alt a bit so you can get a new belt on.

Remember touching the battery cables on the back of the alt will give you a 
nice shock and sparks show.....................................

I can post photos  I just did this.
HTH - Scott by BOSTON

> 
> Hey guys, I have been having a heck of a time with the altinator belt on my 
> '89 200TQ.  No matter what I do it persists to squeal.  I have replaced it a 
> number of times but after 4-6 months it starts squealing again.  Do I need a 
> new 
> altinator? what is going on here. My idle is set at 600RPM which is a little 
> low, it seems if I keep the RPM's at about 800-850 the altinator stays 
> "on-line"  I lent my manual to a buddy and I am not sure how to bump up the 
> idle 
> speed.
> Cheers,
> Jim
>