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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: m3talc0re on December 07, 2016, 09:29:59 am
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New here, so how goes it everyone?
Anyway, I recently got an 83 GMC Sierra Classic with a 350 in it. I had to replace the alternator belt and realized there's nothing really to adjust the tension on the belt. There's a black bracket where it can slide and a bolt for that, but no bracket or anything to tighten up the belt. I had to use a screwdriver to pry up on the alternator while I tightened the belt.
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Welcome to the site from California!
A screwdriver doesn't provide much leverage. Use a prybar through the oval window in the alternator top bracket (image). Pry against the steel stator frame located around the center circumference of the alternator case. Tension the belt until you can no longer rotate the alternator fan using all of your hand strength, then lock down the adjustment bolt. Make sure the alternator pivot bolt is tight, as well.
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Thanks and that's kinda what I did, but the screw driver was all I had for leverage at the time. Between the alternator and that bracket, should there be a washer or spacer? There isn't one on mine and I swear it makes the belt slightly crooked on there. Also, in that picture, you see the locking bolt is nearly all the way over? With the belt O'Reilly gave me, the bolt is nearly bottomed out in the opposite direction. I'm wondering if the belt they gave me is too short or what..? Thanks for the help and pic btw
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No spacers between the alternator and top bracket. The pivot bolt uses a rear spacer. Top bracket maybe tweaked or a wrong combination of parts may have been assembled over the years. Ideally, the adjustment bolt should be 1/2 to 2/3 of the way out with the belt properly tensioned. Post a pic of the belt misalignment and alternator mounting.
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I'll get a pic when I get home from work. Gimme about 1.5 hours
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Well, I loosened it up and actually used something stronger than a screwdriver to get the belt tighter. The squealing stopped. But then I noticed my carb is leaking gas... I think the gasket is probably had it.