Alternator belt snapped

[danjama]

My alternator belt has just snapped, luckily on my driveway.

Started the engine to lots of squealing and a good buildup of white smoke in my rear view after 10-20 seconds. Opened the window and it was a rubber smell so was immediately obvious it was the alternator belt. Switched it off and grabbed the belt from under the car. Doesnt seem to be any other damage.

Does a snapped belt automatically = dead alternator? Is there any way to test the alternator is still alive before i fit a new belt?

[Gary ST165]

no, it doesn't mean the alternator is dead...
just that it wont get any drive to recharge the battery until you replace the belt.

[danjama]

That's what i'm hoping but i'm worried that as there was a lot of smoke it's a sign or a fried alternator. But it did smell primarily of rubber.

If there's anyone near Romford who fancies helping to fit a new belt apparently they're a b1tch to pivot.

[danjama]

Can anyone tell me which warning lights shoiuld be on when the belt is snapped? I have the obvious battery and cooling fan light, but the low oil light has also come on. The oil level is fine though (about middle) and engine idles without overheating. No leaks either.

Is this normal for when the belt has snapped?

[dazzz]

Normal. But something has seized causing the belt to smoke n

[danjama]

What could have seized? Alternator pulley?

[juliankv73]

What could have seized? Alternator pulley?

I had the same. My 2 wasnt used from December to March.

All that rain, then snow then ...started my car 2 weeks ago, some belt squeal, then acrid smoke.

Pulley on alternator was seized solid = goosed.

Was weighing up the options of £75 second hand (unknown lifespan) or recon (genuine parts , Denso etc) circa £150

So am now going for a recon one (not a chinese ebay alternator[-X ).

Nothing wrong with the ebay one, but if and when it fails, it cant be recon'd, and only about £10-20 difference between a good recon one with genuine parts and the ebay one!

I'm going for a recon one. HTH

[danjama]

I cant believe it's seized it was working perfectly all winter and until a few days ago. The belt is very brittle and distorted so im thinking its just an old belt. Hoping. Its snapped clean in one place too.

Can I test if the alternator pulley has seized? Shiuld it spin by hand strength?

If its goosed where can i get a recon or mine reconned?

[Slarty]

The alternator should spin freely, by finger power let alone by hand.

[jasongtr]

i guess the belt could of stuck to a pulley which caused the burning and squealing, if that happened the alternator should be ok

[danjama]

Ok thanks i'll give it a try now. I just bought a new belt from euro car parts, but i'm sure it's too long at 33". Does anyone know if this is right? The old one is more like 32".

[danjama]

Well the pulley is completely seized.

Is it possible to change the pulley or is it new/recondition alternator time?

[Slarty]

Well the pulley is completely seized.

Is it possible to change the pulley or is it new/recondition alternator time?

The pulley isn't the issue, it's what it's attached to that's seized. New or recon alternator time I'm afraid.

[danjama]

Is it possible to recon my own? How hard can it be to strip and clean an alternator? Apparently the bearings are bulletproof, and it's more than likely seized by rust on the rotor?

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/component/fss/?v ... &kbartid=3

[dazzz]

Buy a new one /recon unit

If you don't, it'll fail again soon. A new one and you will be good for at least a couple of years imo

[danjama]

Buy a new one /recon unit

If you don't, it'll fail again soon. A new one and you will be good for at least a couple of years imo

Any idea where from? I don't like the look of the ebay ones but i'm guessing they will be a small fortune from Toyota.

And in the meantime i could learn to recon with my old one.

[Gary ST165]

Any idea where from? I don't like the look of the ebay ones but i'm guessing they will be a small fortune from Toyota.

http://www.tcbparts.co.uk/electrical.htm

[dazzz]

Tcb.

[Peter Gidden]

Fully reconditioned (as opposed to repaired), about £140 with a 2 year warranty.

[danjama]

TCB look very reasonable going to order now! (well tomorrow, as it looks like you can only order on the phone Thanks chaps. Is that 2 year warranty on TCB parts? If so that is blinding!

Most of their prices look very reasonable. I foresee a suspension refresh in my future