Squealing altenator

[rasorbackq]

Question .... My alternator sometimes howls at startup if throttle too high after a warm up period it doesn't.
My squealing is the belt slipping and alternator not turning or is it spinning not just as fast as should. I see the rpms are about half speed when the squealing is there. As soon as the squeal goes away the rpm jumps right up.
Never fast enough to get the hood open to view.

 

[bspeedy]

Question .... My alternator sometimes howls at startup if throttle too high after a warm up period it doesn't.
My squealing is the belt slipping and alternator not turning or is it spinning not just as fast as should. I see the rpms are about half speed when the squealing is there. As soon as the squeal goes away the rpm jumps right up.
Never fast enough to get the hood open to view.

I'd be pretty confident that the belt is slipping. Some belts will slip even when they are tightened up. You may need to replace it.

 

[AWSubie]

If your situation is typical then your alternator belt requires re-tensioning. What concerns me is your statement about the rpm jumping, which is not typical.

 

[George2615]

It may just be a loose fan belt that has stretched. Belts stretch and need to be re-tightened. Belts that slip may become glazed (very shiny) and not have enough grip to spin the alternator pulley.
Try adjusting the belt tension or replacing the belt. While the belt is off spin the alternator pulley to make sure it spins freely.

 

[rasorbackq]

There is no more adjustment in the belt.
Think I will have to get one from Branson dealer as they are and odd size if I remember right.

 

[rasorbackq]

pulley spins freely.

 

[1stDeuce]

As a general rule, belts squeal because they are loose. The squealing stops because the belt gets hot from the slipping, and slips less, or the alternator catches up quickly and needs less power to turn. I assume the speed change you're talking about is the alternator finally coming up to speed...

A belt that is slilpping will wear quickly, even if it isn't squealing. You need to replace the belt and keep the new one adjusted better. If it's just a v-belt, any decent auto parts store should be able to match it up and provide a replacement. You might consider getting a ~1/2" shorter belt, if there is sufficient adjustment range to fit it.

 

[DLTTrekkers]

If it is an old mashine check that the pulley is stil in a v - shape and not a u - shape

 

[sd455dan]

Also V belt pulleys are designed to grip due to the belt being pulled against the pulleys V.
If someone has installed a narrower belt than the pulley is designed for or the belt is worn such that it begins to run all the way to the bottom of the grove, squealing can be the result.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, take the belt in with you. They have a pretty good selection of belts in inventory (at least the one here does). Or, if you have a Branson dealer nearby, they can order one for you I'm sure. A few of the dealers here can probably ship one to you direct if you need. Either Dave's or Mr. Bitz could I'm sure. I doubt it's a "special" sized belt.