Alternator Belt Tightening... the Easy Way? | FerrariChat
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Alternator Belt Tightening... the Easy Way?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Imatk, Jun 8, 2024.

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  1. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    538
    #1 Imatk, Jun 8, 2024
    So I had to tighten my belt... much to my disappointment since it is MUCH easier to tighten with the gas tank, water pipe, and exhaust NOT in the way.

    So I had to figure out a different plan.

    I started by trying to use a long extension, but I just couldn't maneuver it the right way to get it flush onto the nut.

    Then I tried a long extension with a swivel... which didn't fare any better.

    Finally I used a stubby 17mm wrench and just reached around the back of the thing and was able to do it blindly.

    I did have someone help me pull the alt tight just in case, although I would probably have been able to do it solo if I had wedged the screwdriver against something... but had someone there so it was easier to have them hold tension while I tightened.

    It's a little awkward, but infinitely easier (for me) than any other method I tried.

    Granted I have a lift so I could stand while doing this... which I'm sure makes it easier, but I'm guessing you could do the exact same thing on jack stands.

    Anyway here's some pictures to illustrate what I did.

    Thanks to Rifledriver for the tip on the tension... that sucker is definitely like a guitar string now and no longer squeals.


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  2. SeattleM5

    SeattleM5 Formula 3
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    Ettore Palazzo
    #2 SeattleM5, Jun 9, 2024
    Well done!

    I came up with a super simple way to do this on my 328 over a decade ago which I described here: Tightening Alternator Belt Made Easier | FerrariChat. I assume the mounting bracket geometry is the same on the 308 as the 328 but I'm not entirely sure.
     
  3. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 Rifledriver, Jun 9, 2024
    rwbolt1, Zenobie, Imatk and 1 other person like this.
  4. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #4 miketuason, Jun 9, 2024
    Martin308GTB and Zenobie like this.
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 Rifledriver, Jun 9, 2024
    Still much harder and slower than my method. And you need to hold belt tension while reaching around back to tighten a nut?? Hardly a labor saver. Mine takes ten seconds and I never poke my head in the fender well. Besides. Its an 8mm bolt. Should be a 10.
     
  6. SeattleM5

    SeattleM5 Formula 3
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    #6 SeattleM5, Jun 9, 2024

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  7. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    538
    #7 Imatk, Jun 9, 2024
    Looks exactly the same... If I ever have to replace the alt I'm DEFINITELY getting that bolt... nice!
     
  8. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    538
    #8 Imatk, Jun 9, 2024
    Yep next time I have to do this... I'm definitely rigging something up.
     
  9. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    2,877
    #9 2dinos, Jun 11, 2024
    I like that alternator cover. Is that 328 hardware? Where does the orange hose get its cool air supply? Lots of exhaust hardware in the immediate neighborhood.

    BTW: How tight is it suggested to make the belt. I've followed the WSM, and it makes noise when cold. Deflection midspan with x force. If I tighten 'pretty-tight" (technical term) it's quiet.
     
  10. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    #10 yelcab, Jun 11, 2024
    I have a welder... I went that route.
     
  11. Vinsanity

    Vinsanity Formula Junior

    Sep 9, 2013
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    #11 Vinsanity, Jun 11, 2024
    Last time, i used a ratchet strap looped around the alternator to put it tight until I had the adjusted tightened. I forget what I hooked the other end to--some frame element, I'm sure.
     

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