Alternator belt problem.

[Perry]

My 91 Volvo 740 seemed to have a lot of problems with the alternator belt.
The belt had broken twice so far within a year. This time the belt was so
loose (seemed to be stretched) that it was not charging the battery and the
car was dead on the road suddenly without any sign. I managed to jump start
it but it died shortly after driving a few blocks.

I could not see anything unusually. The belt seemed to be aligned properly
and the tension was right.

Anyone can help?

 

[Gunnar Eikman]

If the belt was so loose it did not rotate the alternator you should
have had a warning light come on.

If no light came on, but the alternator failed to charge, your problem
could be worn out alternator brushes. Those are very easy to replace.
Two screws on the back of the alternator. Get old unit out, bring it to
a parts store. But new unit, install and tighten the two screws.

While at it, tighten the belt!


--
Gunnar

240 Turbo Wagon '84 200 K Miles
940 Wagon '92 150 K Miles
on Swedish roads

 

[Buc4evr]

My 91 Volvo 740 seemed to have a lot of problems with the alternator belt.

The belt had broken twice so far within a year. This time the belt was so
loose (seemed to be stretched) that it was not charging the battery and the
car was dead on the road suddenly without any sign. I managed to jump start
it but it died shortly after driving a few blocks.

I could not see anything unusually. The belt seemed to be aligned properly
and the tension was right.

Anyone can help?

Loosen your alternator and move it side to side. If there is a lot of play it
could be the bracket mounting bushings. These rubber bushings are used for
power steering and alternator brackets, as they age they will affect your
alignment of your pulleys and will cause the type of problem you mention with
the belts. In some cases you will never get them to tighten correctly. As
far as the alternator itself - you may want to have it checked.