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Drive belt tension issues...

Last post 09-01-2009, 11:43 AM by TR6and8. 4 replies.
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  •  07-08-2009, 11:34 AM 20124

    Drive belt tension issues...

    Don't know if anyone else has experienced this issue but I just recenlty replaced an alternator that failed on a Supercharged TR6. The side load on the alternator from the belt tension seems to be the issue. Photo should show it. Has anyone else experienced this issue?


    Shawn J. Loseke
    Fort Collins, CO
    http://www.triumphowners.com/79 (1972 TR6)
    http://www.triumphowners.com/690 (1978 TR8)
  •  08-28-2009, 2:17 PM 20870 in reply to 20124

    Re: Drive belt tension issues...

    Hi I had similar problems.  Mine squawked and squealed, kept pulling fan into alternator housing and grinding it, etc. And all kinds of problems with pulley mount shearing, slipping bending.

    I tried to reinforce mounts, neplaced alternator, fan, all sorts of things, to no avail.

    Finally i just went to a GM/Delco alternator conversion.  About $50 rebuilt from local auto parts place.  Had to also find a pulley with the same belt grooves as the supercharger belt, but with careful location of the alternator and bracket was able to make the conversion using the original Moss serpentine belt length.  So far been on over a year working great. Once i puzzled out the conversion layout it was actually very simple and looks really sweet.  Not stock but if you're s/charged thats no longer an issue!

    Basic info on the conversion itself on TR website and also Bill Masters electrical book.

    I can send pics if you want.  Also can dig up info on where i got the pulley etc.

    Just let me know.

  •  09-01-2009, 10:20 AM 20922 in reply to 20870

    Re: Drive belt tension issues...

    Thanks for that info. Had been considering a new, not rebuilt, GM unit to see if the bearings were any better. Where did you find the pulley to fit the GM alternator? Haven't started looking yet but any leads?
    Shawn J. Loseke
    Fort Collins, CO
    http://www.triumphowners.com/79 (1972 TR6)
    http://www.triumphowners.com/690 (1978 TR8)
  •  09-01-2009, 11:20 AM 20928 in reply to 20922

    Re: Drive belt tension issues...

    If you tighten the belt too much there will be too much of a load on the bearings. Tension should be enough so the belt does not slip. 
  •  09-01-2009, 11:43 AM 20932 in reply to 20928

    Re: Drive belt tension issues...

    Alfonso,

     You are correct, and if this were a simple v-belt issue that would be the solution. The Moss Supercharger kit uses a serpentine belt that has a non-adjustable, spring loaded, tensioner (like many serpentine belt systems).

     One thought for a solution is a slightly longer belt, however the next belt up the chain in length is six inches longer. quite a bit past the adjustment range without making a different way to position the alternator further out.

     Thanks for the suggestion though.  


    Shawn J. Loseke
    Fort Collins, CO
    http://www.triumphowners.com/79 (1972 TR6)
    http://www.triumphowners.com/690 (1978 TR8)