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Subject: How do you put tension on your Alternator?

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Balrgn

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Posts:805

Registered Users
Southern NH

02/03/2008 5:02 AM
My 77 Argosy 20 has a pretty tight space where the alternator located. There is NO way to get a good angle to tension the fan belt. The only way I can come up with, which works quite well, is take a ratcheting hold down strap. Wrap one side on the alternator, and find a spot to use the hook on the other end. I was lucky enough to be able to use a rail on the frame above the wheel. Loosen the bolts and take up on the tension. Using great care not to get smacked in the head if it was to come flying off. Then tighten the fasteners. Worked great!

1977 Argosy 20 454 V8 Gas Southern NH Maintenance Analyst www.balrgn.com

travcoman45 User is Offline

Camper
Posts:63

Registered Users

02/03/2008 9:46 AM
They make a threaded adjustable device that goes between the pulleys, you hand tighten and then use a wrench to add the tension needed. Don't have a picture, but each end has a curved bracket which sets inside the groves of the pulley and then is threaded in the center. They come with extensions. Used them in commercial maintanence for adjusting belts and they can be bought at some of the larger auto parts stores. Don't have to worry about them slipping off the pulleys and they work better then a pry bar as there is less chance of cracking a case or something else by prying. Hope this helps.

Airstream345 User is Offline

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Posts:1335

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Louisville, KY

02/03/2008 10:46 AM
I've used a long tire iron before to put tension on the alternator. Wedging it in between the bracket and alternator body then applying enough force to tension the belt. Usually, this is best done with a helper to tighten the bolt once it's tensioned. Not pretty but it works.

Steven Webster 1986 Airstream Classic 345 Host, ThisOldRV.com

Balrgn

Moderator

Expert
Posts:805

Registered Users
Southern NH

02/03/2008 5:52 PM
I was surprised how will the strap worked, old farm tractor trick I let it go too long, guess I was in denial that it needed tension...

1977 Argosy 20 454 V8 Gas Southern NH Maintenance Analyst www.balrgn.com

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