Tensioning the Alternator belt on a Mk1a - any tips / tricks

[BenF]

OK, a few weeks back I replaced the alternator on my Mk1a (top tip -take the alternator bracket off the block to refit it rather than wasting 2 hours under the car trying to get it fitted back on the block..)

The new alternator works fine, but I'm having trouble getting the tension in the belt set right.

At the moment, it seems the only way to do it is slacken the adjuster off, then try and get some pressure on the adjuster bolt moving it to the back of the car whilst simulataneously doing the bolt up with a ratchet.

I'm thinking there must be a better way to do this - are there any tips as how to best do this..?

Ben.

[jrleech]

I generally slide a long bar in front of the alternator so the lower end braces against some chassis bits, then gently use it to tension the alternator, then, as you say, quickly do up the adjuster bolt.

As for checking the tension, I bought a Borroughs Belt Tension Gauge which is the tool specified in the BGB. Mine was off Ebay, just do a search (most are in the US).

Cheers,
Jon

[Icsunonove]

Use a jack handle Ben and jam it in between. Then tighten the adjusting bolt just enough to hold the tension but not enough to prevent you shifting it with the jack handle. Use the jack handle to shift the alternator rearwards to get the tension right. Then fully tighten the bolt...

[kevin..in]

if you lift out the expansion bottle it gives you more access to the alternator making the job much easier

[BenF]

Ta all.

Kevin..in - nice one - I'll remove the expansion bottle, that will certainly give me lots more room.

I'll see if I can get an extension bar in there to pry it further apart and get the tension right on the belt - I can still hear the alternator/belt slipping slightly. I just hope its not the cheap 2nd hand alternator giving out (!)

Ben.