[Vwdiesel] TD eats alternator belts

[James Hansen]

Yeah, my experience has been pretty much parallel to yours.  The cost of
alternator belts should be no object it seems.
Pulley alignment is important, as is pulley shape- if the sides of the "v"
are worn so they more resemble a U shape, you will go through belts like
socks.  So... if the pulley looks worn and the sides of the V are not
perfectly flat, change the pulley, as the frictive surfaces are not matching
the belt, and you can never get it tight  enough to not slip.
(Is 'frictive' a word?) heh.
-James

----- Original Message -----
From: Val Christian <val at swamps.roc.ny.us>
To: Doyt W. Echelberger <Doyt at buckeye-express.com>
Cc: <vwdiesel at vwfans.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 10:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] TD eats alternator belts


> > If anybody ever had the same condition of their car destroying
alternator
> > belts, I'd appreciate hearing how you solved the problem.
>
>
> I've had terrible luck with aftermarket general belts.  Most frequently,
> they are too soft, and can't handle the tension needed to keep the belt
> from slipping on my 91 (with AC).
>
> What works for me is Continental or VW (same manufacturer), and I tension
> them fairly tight, but just so that they almost slip under full load.
> Then, a couple of days later, when I notice them starting to chirp
> (after start, full load (lights, blowers, defogger)).  Usually I
> adjust 2 or 3 times after a belt replacement.  I carry the wrenches
> (13mm, 17mm, long screwdriver) for a month or two, just in case.
>
> Alignment is an issue you should check and verify.
>
> Size and "hardness" seem to be the primary factors, and how the belt is
> built.
>
> Every attempt to use another belt has resulted in dissatisfaction,
> so I spend the bigger bucks.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Val
>
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