88 Alternator Replacement

[kontradictions]

I just replaced the alternator on my 88 K5, with a 5.7L, and now when driving in first into second im getting a whining from the belts. I checked the tension and the belt seems tight.

It wasnt making this noise before i changed the alternator an hour ago. Is there a trick to getting the belt tension to where it needs to be or am i missing something?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The belt should have ~1/4" of deflection along the unsupported piece of belt.

I have had bad luck with alternator bearings out of the box.

 

[kontradictions]

any easy way to get the belt tighter?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Do 88's have a serpentine setup? If so, the belt isn't too tight.

 

[kontradictions]

i need to get it tighter, any recommendations or tools to do this?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Do 88's use a serpentine setup?

If so, you may need to replace the tensioner.

Is it making a belt slipping noise or a bearing noise?

 

[kontradictions]

the alternator slides on a bracket and tightens the serpentine belt...

i just cant get the alternator over enough to tighten the belt more by hand.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

If yours has v-belts (2 or more belts for the accessories that must be tightened by hand) then loosen the two alternator bracket bolts, put a crow bar or large screwdriver through the hole in the top of the alternator bracket and pry against the alternator (that's what the hole is for).

You should have ~1/4" of deflection at the middle of the belt.

If you have a serpentine system, the only thing that determines tension is the tensioner. That is, assuming you didn't replace the belt with the wrong one.

 

[kontradictions]

i didnt replace the belt, it was done a year ago and still looks good.

I was able to get it tighter and drove it around for a bit and sounds a ton better. Thanks for the help.