Is my alternator dying?

[Gonad the Barbarian]

I don't know if it's seizing up, or if the belt has just become too loose, but anytime I have a heavy elctrical load in my truck, and accelerate from a stop, the belt slips like crazy. It immediately stops when I cut the electrical load (lights, radio, fan), but as long as I am maintaining a constant speed, it can handle the load again without slipping. This has been going on for about 3 weeks, and my battery has seemed to stay charged and I haven't gotten any sort of idiot lights. I'm going to dive under the hood tomorrow to see what I can see, just wanted some input before I do.

 

[Emulex]

adjust the tension on it. Check the belt for signs of excessive wear and replace if necessary.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

I think you answered your own question. Its too loose.

 

[Ornery]

Emulex got it. Just buy a new belt and throw that one in the trunk for a spare. You may actually need a whole new tentioner (with a fresh spring) if that one can't be adjusted.

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

Well I think I left out something important. About three months ago I had to replace the altenator belt because the previous one broke. It was pretty chewed up and slipping much like this one is now. But as I said, this only started up again about three weeks ago, where as the time before that on this new belt was fine.

Also, there is no tensioner, it's a 3 peice v-belt job.

 

[killmeplease]

Sometimes when a V-belt is installed, it will not ride as deep into the pulley as after it has been rotated and/or broken in. It's pretty common practice to retighten a v-belt later.

Unless it is a bearing in the alternator also making a squealing sound and not just just the belt, you should simply have to tighten the belt.

Good luck.

 

[Ornery]

Yeah, simple fix. Careful not to over tighten, though. I'd rather lose a belt than have to replace the bearings in the alternator or water pump. Grab some Gate's 'Green Stripe' belts and replace all your belts while you're at it. They wear like nothing else for a few bucks more!