How the HECK do I get the alternator tensioner set right?

[bhtooefr]

Right now, I'm not NEAR tight enough, and the pulley is sideways.

How do I get the pulley straightened, and how do I get the thing tighter?

I need to get this belt on first, then I can get the WP belt on, then I can limp it to Byers to get the real belts. (The belts I'm putting on are temporary until I can get real brand...)

I'm tempted to just get the thing towed to a shop that knows what they're doing, except this is a Mk2 diesel, and even mechanics can't get Mk2 diesels to stop throwing belts...

Edit: Oh, and before anyone asks, yes, I did check Bentley. My 85 hardcopy only shows that there's V-belts, and the ep0niks section on v-belts doesn't really apply to diesels, only gassers. (except for there being a cover that I'm missing...)

[bhtooefr]

Bump.

[fspGTD]

Moved to troubleshooting section

[A Guy]

I have the same engine in my 91 golf.  
I had troubles here in the beginning until I looked from under the car.  Then it was all clear.   There is a 13mm bolt that allows the alternator to move up and down to take up most slack.   Then, if you aim for the same spot there is a 22m (I think) behind this 13 mm bolt.  This larger bolt has teeth around it's perimeter that allow it to be tightened up and it will stay so you can tighten up the 13mm and Bob's your uncle!  
I'm not sure about your pulley being crooked :?
You can buy a belt and install it in your drive way in 15-20 min.  You need a 13 mm socket and extension, and a 22mm.  
I think the top bracket bolt is a 17mm.
I haven't heard or had any problems with "throwing of belts"
Good Luck.
Out.

[bhtooefr]

You're referring to the toothed-rack mechanism, which my car doesn't have.

Anyway, I found out what the crooked pulley thing was a long time ago - the pulley has to be loosened to adjust the tension, but a precise amount. Not loosen it enough, the pulley can't be adjusted. Loosen it too much, the pulley goes crooked when you tension it.

Oh, and the throwing belts? Simple. Wrong alternator pulley - mine was for a non-AC car, my car has AC.

[hillfolk'r]

seen alot and have had alot of a1 cars,that som moron hatchets up the pivot for the alternqator,,or the alternator pivot hole is all wallowed out,,that causes crooked alternator,,pain in the %^$% to fix,probably require welding,,,,,arrgggg :evil: ,,,maybe you got somethin like that goin on,,,,,