Author Topic: Alternator bracket question. Pictures added (Read 8762 times)

subsonic · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2008, 05:13:04 am »

OK, here are some photo's.

This is the bracket that goes on top of the alt. this is the one that was too short.

Here is a shot of the alt with the mounting holes.

Here you can see where it is not long enough to reach the mounting holes.

Here is a shot of the bracket extension I made, attached to the alt.

Everything put together.

Shot down the pulley. It looks like it may be off a bit. Between the metal alt fan and the alt there are two spacers. One is a large flat looking washer type deal, probably 3" across. Then there is a stepped metal piece that has some flats on it so you can hold it while you tension the nut inside the pulley. Do I need the 3" washer type deal? If I remove it, the pulley will come in a bit closer and might help. Thoughts?

Like I said. Adjuster is all the way out. Belt is very very loose.

Every parts store I call tells me they have the correct belt, compressor over waterpump to the alt. As you can see, mine does not go over the waterpump. Does anyone have the correct belt number?
If I just opt for a shorter belt, any idea how much less I should go for on the first try? I was thinking about 3" or more.

subsonic · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2008, 02:19:56 pm »

So I went and bought belt 3" or so shorter today. Hope it helps. Had to pull over on the way home last night and plug in the battery charger behind a convienence store. Car was almost out of juice completley.

Made a mistake in my previous post. old belt was 27" and change, not 25".

Will get it on in the morning asap.

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2008, 03:53:58 pm »

you got too many washers behind the Alt. fan ! the fan blades should just clear the housing! as far as belt don't go by what a part place tells you what the correct belt size is! the correct belt is the one that fits and that will vary depending on pully size, size of alternator? belt # is also a size # for example 1580 was a half inch too big get the next size smaller 1575! an understanding of the belt numbering would of made thing easier for you! pics. help a lot!
i know that pully is correct for your application you just got it spaced wrong!
but learning curve ! looks like you have it under controll?
thanks Duane

subsonic · « **Reply #18 on:** May 02, 2008, 09:29:16 pm »

Yep, got it figured out now. Life gets better though. The belt was flapping so much it rubbed a hole through the plastic timing cover. I was half way home tonight, just got off the highway, sitting at a red light. Light turns green, creeping in 1st about 4-5 mph because its a down hill part of the road, push in the clutch to shift to second----THUNK! car dies.
Did you guess timing belt? You win a prize! I think the alt belt must have been rubbing up against the timing belt. Had to push it into a store parking lot and call the wife at 10pm to come and get me, one hour from home. Oh yeah, load all three sleeping kids in the minivan as well. FUN fun fun, more than I can stand.
I hope its not all ***ed up. I just had this head rebuild a few years ago.
Well, I am going to have a stiff drink and go to bed. In the morning I will need to figure out how I am going to get my car home, and spend another weekend desperatly trying to get a car running so I can get to work. This would be why, my wife politely reminds me, that we should buy new cars, that run.
Life is grand.

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #19 on:** May 02, 2008, 10:05:02 pm »

you sure it was timing belt? you sure you did not run out of battery?
well good luck especially all you went through! new car is not the answer! i have to disagree with your wife! you can rebuild your golf 4 times for what you pay for a new car!
Duane

subsonic · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2008, 05:34:28 am »

Yeah, it's the timing belt

. I popped the top latches on the cover and could open it a few inches. I reached in with my finger and could move the belt. It is still on the pulley, but has zero tension. I could lift it off the pulley with my finger.

Think it is possible to go with a new belt and re-time, or is it time to pull the head?

burn_your_money · « **Reply #21 on:** May 03, 2008, 06:01:51 am »

When you take the valve cover off you should be able to tell.
Since it didn't die and go clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk, clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk,clunk it probably stopped right away without hammering too many parts.

I`d try a new timing belt, turn it by hand and feel for compression on all 4 cylinders.

That`s pretty lame man

subsonic · « **Reply #22 on:** May 03, 2008, 10:24:57 am »

Never done this before. I guess I am going to pull the valve cover and look for damage to the cam or lifters. Anything else?

Pull the timing belt cover off, toss the old belt. Do I then pull the cap on the tranny and turn the engine over by hand until I see the TDC mark? Won't I hit valves by turning it? I am kind of worried about getting everything TDC and lined up before I get the new belt on.
I just got my timing kit from germany, so once I figure it out, I should be able to use it.
This forum is great, but having someone standing next to you who knows what they are doing sure is a big bonus. Anyone live near the Maine /Mass / NH line on the seacoast who would care to lend a helping hand? It is sitting right off Rt-101, about 15 or 20 min up from I-95 in Epping NH.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2008, 08:16:05 pm »

removing or loosening the cam caps will definitely work. Make sure to do it in the proper sequence so you don't snap the camshaft.

subsonic · « **Reply #24 on:** May 09, 2008, 11:26:08 am »

I had the car towed to a good shop. I just did not have time to work on it with the 12 hour days. They got to it yesterday. 1 and 4 both have a valve that is not working correctly. New belt etc. turned over with no contact, hoped the compression would help get them going again but no luck. All my damn money I am saving for my franken is being eaten up by a old engine!