I think this might be a more basic question but I have been puzzling over it for a while.
I was doing some freshening up in the engine compartment, so I changed the belts(power steering and Alt.) on my BBC. The old belts were getting all cracked on the underside. I went to Napa and bought the Napa brand belts (looks like the gaterback belts) and everything seemed ok for a few days of driving. Now I get a squealing when I rev the engine (not all the time but becoming more frequent.)
1)The belts seemed to be a tad bit larger in size not length could that be a factor?
2)Could the belts be too tight?
3)Could the belts be too loose? I do not think they are too loose as there is not a lot of movement on the belt when I push on the stretch between 2 pulleys.
4)Would the belt dressing spray really fix the issue or is that just a band-aid to an issue that will return?
5)Is this a sign that the pulleys on the PS pump and the Alt are becoming worn out?
6)I have heard that you can take a scratch pad or steal wool and scuff up the pulleys valley to remove any sort of built up debris that could be causing the belt to slip. Is there any truth to this?
1)The belts seemed to be a tad bit larger in size not length could that be a factor?
This could very well be the problem if they are tight and still squealing..if the belts do not drop into the v-groove in the pulleys because they are the wrong size they will slip causing the squeal..they probably gave you the wrong belts..there are different width belts and it sounds like yours are too wide for the pulleys..I do not recommend using belt dressing it makes them sticky so they grab but it is just a temporary solution..belt dressing is more suited to farm or industrial stuff ..They should never be pulled to tight as it will take the bearings out of your alt or water pump..if you pull them too tight..If the belts drop into the pulley grooves properly and then when tightned properly they should be fine..
-- Edited by fatchuk on Thursday 8th of November 2012 08:04:39 AM
I think this might be a more basic question but I have been puzzling over it for a while.
I was doing some freshening up in the engine compartment, so I changed the belts(power steering and Alt.) on my BBC. The old belts were getting all cracked on the underside. I went to Napa and bought the Napa brand belts (looks like the gaterback belts) and everything seemed ok for a few days of driving. Now I get a squealing when I rev the engine (not all the time but becoming more frequent.)
1)The belts seemed to be a tad bit larger in size not length could that be a factor?
Yes, the pulley and belts need to match, otherwise, the belt will sit too high or too low in the pulley groove.
2)Could the belts be too tight?
If the alt./pump belt is too tight, you risk screwing up their bearings.
3)Could the belts be too loose? I do not think they are too loose as there is not a lot of movement on the belt when I push on the stretch between 2 pulleys.
Without a tension gauge, you should see approximately 1" or so up and down movement between pulleys.
4)Would the belt dressing spray really fix the issue or is that just a band-aid to an issue that will return?
Quick, band-aid fix only. As mentioned above, it just makes everything sticky and goooooooooooy.
5)Is this a sign that the pulleys on the PS pump and the Alt are becoming worn out?
Either that, or, as mentioned above, the belt width is wrong. The belt should just rise above the pulley groove.
6)I have heard that you can take a scratch pad or steal wool and scuff up the pulleys valley to remove any sort of built up debris that could be causing the belt to slip. Is there any truth to this?
Yes. They may be glazed up or have material build up from previous slipping, or, are just plain worn.
