| Author |
Message |
dommer
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2007
Posts: 69
Location: Atlanta
|
 Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 9:05 am Post subject: Alternator install issue |
 |
|
I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:
1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)
Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Erik G
Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13546
Location: Tejas!
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
EMPI = Every Mistake Passes Inspection
Sorry I can't be of more help. The kit should be simple bolt on. Lot's of times that's not the case but this really should be.
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23385
Location: Kimball, Mi
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 1:27 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
| dommer wrote: |
I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:
1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)
Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link
|
You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dommer
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2007
Posts: 69
Location: Atlanta
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 7:45 am Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
| Bobnotch wrote: |
| dommer wrote: |
I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:
1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)
Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link
|
You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps. |
It's actually worse than that, it seems like the belt is too big for the kit. It can't sit in the pulley without one side or other bulging out of the pulley. It seems like it's either the wrong belt for the kit, or someone installed the wrong size pulley on it. I contacted JBugs about it who have taken it up with Empi and said they will get back to me. Another weird thing about the kit is that two of the connectors on the alternator came with crimp quick-disonnect connectors on them. I thought it was a weird, but appreciated addition. But when I actually went to install the unit, I noticed both of these connectors were crimped, and had a tiny bit of wire coming out of them. It looks like I might have been sent a used unit. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bobnotch
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 23385
Location: Kimball, Mi
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
| dommer wrote: |
| Bobnotch wrote: |
| dommer wrote: |
I have tried installing an EMPI alternator conversion kit and am having some issues. https://www.jbugs.com/product/9448.html Has anyone else installed this without issue? My issues:
1)It seems like the belt is too big for the pulley, which is chewing up the belt
2)The alternator vibrates like crazy when running (attached video link)
Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nj8BKyfzLeqvcpjg8<--Video link
|
You might want to look at your belt alignment. The belt might be rubbing on one side of the pulley more than the other (not centered). You might also want to look at the brackets, as they might need a gusset to support them better.
I hope this helps. |
It's actually worse than that, it seems like the belt is too big for the kit. It can't sit in the pulley without one side or other bulging out of the pulley. It seems like it's either the wrong belt for the kit, or someone installed the wrong size pulley on it. I contacted JBugs about it who have taken it up with Empi and said they will get back to me. Another weird thing about the kit is that two of the connectors on the alternator came with crimp quick-disonnect connectors on them. I thought it was a weird, but appreciated addition. But when I actually went to install the unit, I noticed both of these connectors were crimped, and had a tiny bit of wire coming out of them. It looks like I might have been sent a used unit. |
You might try finding a shorter belt locally. I'd start a 1/2 inch shorter, and go up from there. Most good auto parts stores have a belt gauge, and can size a belt from there (using your existing belt as a starting point).
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
| Tram wrote: |
| "Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
| Tram wrote: |
| People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Max Welton
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2003
Posts: 11046
Location: Black Forest, CO
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GearheadJim
Samba Member
Joined: April 10, 2003
Posts: 215
Location: Columbus Ohio
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 4:36 am Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
I would say it's a bent shaft on the alternator, possibly damaged during shipping to the first recipient who then sent it back to JBugs. JBugs "inspected" the unit and since you can't see the bent shaft, put it back in stock for a lucky second recipient.
_________________
Drive 'em!
65 Notchback build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=773405 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
biffidum
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2023
Posts: 68
Location: ON, CAN
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 5:22 am Post subject: Re: Alternator install issue |
|
|
The brackets may need some shimming to ensure their entire base is in contact with the motor, otherwise they can wobble/shake.
This website will help you get the correct belt (narrow style);
https://tameson.com/pages/v-belt-size-chart
BTW You will want to make some tin to close the gap around the opening to minimize air leaking out of the fan shroud. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Max Welton
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2003
Posts: 11046
Location: Black Forest, CO
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
