So what might cause this to happen?

[ORCoaster]

Yesterday, I was pulling the bumper off the front end along with the grill and lights.  I am getting ready to paint the bugger after owning it since 2017.  OK, a little long with the upgrade, but hey, I was busy.

So I looked at the alternator as I was working away and thought;  The voltage sure has been bouncing around a lot on the gauge lately. I wonder if the belt is loose again.

Well, not so much, but the pulley was about 1/4 inch away from the fin plate.  WTH???   

How does something like that happen?  I have not touched that part in a long time.  When I got it off so I could tighten the nut, I noticed that the key way that is supposed to be in there to lock it all up was gone as well. 

So has anyone had that happen to them?  I surely have not seen such in any vehicle I have ever owned.

Let me know your story. 

No not the one about your crazy sister or brother-in-law.  I can read those on FarceBook.

[fatmobile]

Does it have a tapered shaft?
 I think I remember putting a pully on with an impact and a prayer after seeing there was no place for a key.
 I think it's, at least some Mk2 alternators are like the cam and there is no key.

[ORCoaster]

The shaft is straight, not tapered like on the IP or Cam.  More like a lawnmower setup. 

[fatmobile]

So did the pully tear up the shaft from spinning on it?

[ORCoaster]

I caught it in time to prevent any of that.  There just wasn't a keyway in the slot, and the pulley was still sort of tight with the lock washer.  Getting it apart was a pain, as the keyway is supposed to allow you to take the pulley off and not have the shaft spin.  A screwdriver, keenly placed while wrenching, did the trick.