Author |
Message |
billclimbs Samba Member
Joined: June 06, 2010 Posts: 144 Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
|
Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2023 12:55 pm Post subject: Squeaky belt |
|
|
I have an 85 Westy. My belt is squealing (till warmed up). I'm out of room for adjustment and its still quite loose. It is the belt to the alternator. I think the pulley may be worn??. I'm wondering if anyone has tried using a shorter belt??^ |
|
Back to top |
|
|
hardway Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2012 Posts: 416 Location: Fidalgo Island
|
Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2023 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
V belts are an old technology and they wear out. Different cultures and manufacturers do things differently. The stock type of belt is supplied by Continental 10X1100. As the belts wear the V gets more narrow. This effectively makes the belt longer. You can use other belts but you are introducing other variables. My bet is that a new 10X1100 fixes it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Silverghost500 Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2018 Posts: 1089 Location: Atlanta, GA
|
Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2023 5:16 am Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
You want the belt tight enough so it doesn't slip. Getting it too tight on adjustment or a different size belt can bring premature wear to the alternator and water pump bearings. _________________ 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A converversion-Road Testing Phase
3-Speed Automatic
Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA |
|
Back to top |
|
|
billclimbs Samba Member
Joined: June 06, 2010 Posts: 144 Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
Thanks againtothisgroup!! I got the continental belt. It didn't look any smaller but it fits perfectly with room for even more tightening....won't be buying any other belt again! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7757 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:15 pm Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
PLEASE buy another belt…before you need it!
(IOW: keep a spare in the van!)
- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50353
|
Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
Does your alternator shake around when the engine is running? With the engine off if you grab the alternator and shake, what happens? It should be rock solid in both tests. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
AceTaylor Samba Member
Joined: July 15, 2009 Posts: 139 Location: PERKASIE, PA
|
Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 5:35 am Post subject: Re: Sqeaky belt |
|
|
Keep your old belt and throw it under the seat. If you throw a belt you'll have a instant replacement to get you going until you can source a new replacement. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
Is there a magical secret to getting/keeping the belts tight? I have been battling with the belts on my 85 Westy with AC. I swear, I tighten the belts and within a week or so they have loosened up. Can't determine if they are stretching or if the accessories are moving? I have the bolts so tight with lock washers in most cases that I cant see them loosening up. But I also cant see the belts needing to be tightened every few weeks? What am I missing? _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50353
|
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:13 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
Your problem could be cheap belts. I bought a Continental belt once not realizing that they apparently had more than one grade of belts. It squealed seemingly no matter how tight I tightened it, once I replaced it with something else the problem went away.
I prefer cogged V-belts as they handle small diameter pulleys better. The best belt I think I have ever had was a Dayco Top Cog that was on my 1974 Bay when I bought it. It probably lasted me a full 20 years of every day use and was removed "just cause" as it was ancient, and not because it was actually showing signs of failure. Should have just bought a spare and stowed it in the glove box, along with tools to do the swap so I could see how long the Top Cog could have actually gone. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
Wildthings wrote: |
Your problem could be cheap belts. I bought a Continental belt once not realizing that they apparently had more than one grade of belts. It squealed seemingly no matter how tight I tightened it, once I replaced it with something else the problem went away.
I prefer cogged V-belts as they handle small diameter pulleys better. The best belt I think I have ever had was a Dayco Top Cog that was on my 1974 Bay when I bought it. It probably lasted me a full 20 years of every day use and was removed "just cause" as it was ancient, and not because it was actually showing signs of failure. Should have just bought a spare and stowed it in the glove box, along with tools to do the swap so I could see how long the Top Cog could have actually gone. |
I'll have to check. I think two of them were ones that came as spares with the vehicle. The alternator is the only one I bought from CIP1 I think and it had a JP Dansk label. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
DanHoug Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016 Posts: 4800 Location: Bemidji, MN
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 6:59 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
my favorite belt that i use for both the ALT-WP and the power steering is the NAPA XL 25-7430. wears like iron, doesn't stretch. i've bought some NOS Made-in-USA but the current ones are Hecho en Mexico and seem fine quality. _________________ -dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:07 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
DanHoug wrote: |
my favorite belt that i use for both the ALT-WP and the power steering is the NAPA XL 25-7430. wears like iron, doesn't stretch. i've bought some NOS Made-in-USA but the current ones are Hecho en Mexico and seem fine quality. |
Thanks. I have had decent luck with Napa parts in the past. Their brake light switches have proven to be superior to the expensive European ones. I'll grab the sizes and give it a try. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
DanHoug Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016 Posts: 4800 Location: Bemidji, MN
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:19 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
it's a re-branded Gates belt. you can buy the Gates too. i use this belt for both positions, it might be a tad short for the ALT one but it fits on mine and gives tons of room for tightening as it wears. nice to carry one part number for both belts, and i carry 2 of them! belt and suspenders, so to speak. _________________ -dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:34 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
DanHoug wrote: |
it's a re-branded Gates belt. you can buy the Gates too. i use this belt for both positions, it might be a tad short for the ALT one but it fits on mine and gives tons of room for tightening as it wears. nice to carry one part number for both belts, and i carry 2 of them! belt and suspenders, so to speak. |
I have three belts and all are different sizes. I feel the one for the AC that was supplied might be too wide. It seems more to sit ON the pulley instead of IN the pulley. I like the idea of a shorter belt to allow stretch. I wish the alternator had the tension adjuster like the AC compressor. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6586 Location: Westfalia, Earth
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:37 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
DanHoug wrote: |
I carry 2 of them! belt and suspenders, so to speak. |
We carry two spare Continental suspenders — I mean, belts. One’s used and the only one I ever replaced, several years ago, and only just because.
I run it pretty loose, with up to an inch of thumb pressure, though the book calls for about 0.6”. Never had one fail.
“I can’t trust this guy. Look at him, belt and suspenders, the man can’t even trust his own pants.”
— Henry Fonda, “Once Upon a Time in the West”
(possibly the best Western ever) _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:54 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
How much pressure do you use? I'm a big guy, If i put my weight intonit Inam sure I could make the belts flex an inch. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6586 Location: Westfalia, Earth
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:07 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
Hard to say… but just enough until resistance makes the belt feel really tight against my thumb… almost to where holding that is uncomfortable on my thumb joints.
The Continentals, at least, get tighter when hot. I suspect when belts are getting loose over time is when they’re too tight to start with. _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
|
Back to top |
|
|
DanHoug Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016 Posts: 4800 Location: Bemidji, MN
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
Sharp64 wrote: |
How much pressure do you use? I'm a big guy, If i put my weight intonit Inam sure I could make the belts flex an inch. |
ayup. very subjective. loosen it enough to squawk at startup and then tighten a smidge. an occasional chirp is fine tho it will snap the heads around of passerbys because no one has a vehicle with belt squeaks anymore given the ubiquitous serpentine.
what the ALT belt layout needs is a spring tension idler on the top run. it's long and with a thin belt so it forms a harmonic flapping that stresses the alternator mount. just a light spring loaded idler would damp the harmonic and greatly reduce broken alternator mounts. _________________ -dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6586 Location: Westfalia, Earth
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:18 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
DanHoug wrote: |
Sharp64 wrote: |
How much pressure do you use? I'm a big guy, If i put my weight intonit Inam sure I could make the belts flex an inch. |
ayup. very subjective. loosen it enough to squawk at startup and then tighten a smidge. an occasional chirp is fine tho it will snap the heads around of passerbys because no one has a vehicle with belt squeaks anymore given the ubiquitous serpentine. |
*Exactly* my take.
On cold startups, once kicking off the idiot lights with a little rev, I sometimes do get a little chirping or squealing.
Raising a point… they will squeal more in cold weather. We rarely fire up below freezing, so can run the belt looser than most. _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Sharp64 Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
|
Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Squeaky belt |
|
|
I do have the "improved" alternator mount from GW. Still doesnt have a tension adjuster which is what it needs.
What is weird is the alternator tends to squeel or squeel more with the AC compressor engaged which makes no sense to me. Its been cooler here so havent used the AC, that and there are other issues, so havent been using it. But when I turned the AC on, there was a squealing like a stuck pig. But it was coming from the alternator belt, it went away. Turn the AC compressor off and it went away prior to tightening it which seem antithetical. Maybe its because it slowed the engine down? _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|