spuljack

I have a 95 SE and my old alternator went out. So I replaced it with one from a 96 that had 70k miles. Ever since my battery light will flicker on and off sometimes and my clock dims. I think it has something to do with the tension of the belt, but any of your opinions would be greatly appreciated. If it is the tension how tight should I make it? Thanks, James

spuljack

Still having trouble....

karguy

You meaure the drive belt deflection midway between the crankshaft pulley and the AC Compressor Pulley. If the deflection is more than 7mm or (0.28in) you will need to adjust it. The deflection after adjustment should be 4.2 - 4.6mm or 0.165 - 0.181in. If this doesn't fix it I would carefully check alternator wires to make sure they are tight. I might also clean the battery terminals and clamps. If all of this doesn't help head to Auto Zone or Advanced Auto and let them check the alternator and battery for you. Hope this helps!

ch13f

^^ that was quite possibly the best response to a thread I have ever read.

spuljack

Could you define drive belt deflection?

karguy

[QUOTE]Originally posted by spuljack
Could you define drive belt deflection? [/QUOTE

When you push on the midpoint of the drive belt it will move in the opposite direction. You use a force of 10 kg or 22 pounds of pressure to generate this deflection (movement). An easy way to do it is to use something that weighs 22 lbs that is connected to a loop chain similar to a dog chain then use an S hook to attach it to the drive belt. Get yourself a yardstick from Home Depot cut it so it can lay from the crankshaft pulley to the AC Pulley. The deflection will be the overlap between the yardstick and drive belt. In my case I would use a 22.5 lb dumbell. It may sound complex but it is actually pretty easy. Sorry I forgot to mention the deflection force when I first replied. I am an old car mechanic and I just push with my thumb so I overlooked it. Now you got everything you need to do it right!