Alternator belt tension 94 Corolla

What is the correct deflection for the alternator belt on a 1994
Corolla with 7 series engine? Mine now has 1/2 inch measured at the
top motor mount with firm pressure. New belt has been run for a week.
Thanks
--
Mr.E

The problem with measuring belt deflection is the ambiguity of the
"firm pressure" often cited. I typically just tighten it enough to
eliminate squeal. If you are worried that you have overtightened it,
you can back of the tension until you get occasional squeals (typically
on cold-starts for me), and then just tighten it a tad from there.

Nirav

On 19 Feb 2006 13:15:18 -0800, "njmodi" <njmodi2@yahoo.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>The problem with measuring belt deflection is the ambiguity of the
>"firm pressure" often cited. I typically just tighten it enough to
>eliminate squeal. If you are worried that you have overtightened it,
>you can back of the tension until you get occasional squeals (typically
>on cold-starts for me), and then just tighten it a tad from there.
>
>Nirav[/color]

What is a 'tad'?

.....the devil made me say it....LOL
--

Scott in Florida

oops - *takes foot out of mouth* ;)

Let's say 1 turn of the tensioner bolt :)

On Sun, 19 Feb 2006 16:03:52 -0500, [email]Mr.E@totally.inva[/email]lid wrote:
[color=blue]
>What is the correct deflection for the alternator belt on a 1994
>Corolla with 7 series engine? Mine now has 1/2 inch measured at the
>top motor mount with firm pressure. New belt has been run for a week.
>Thanks[/color]

They make Belt Tension Gauges for manually tensioned V-belts (cars
without a spring tensioner on a multi-ribbed belt) - I have the Gates
'Krikit' which is inexpensive (around $10) and works like a torque
wrench. You'll probably have to order one at your favorite auto
parts, even though everyone should use one they rarely do when a
"calibrated thumb" will work, so the stores don't stock them.

You put it on top of the belt and hold a tape measure next to it,
push it till it 'clicks' and see how far down you went. They have a
little chart with belt sizes, span between the pulleys at the point
you checked it, and the proper setting range.

There are more expensive spring loaded gauges with three fingers and
a torque dial, you just clamp it on the belt and read the tension from
a dial gauge. If I ever find one for cheap, I'll grab it.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.