generator light

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by PROCOBOB, Feb 28, 2004.

  1. PROCOBOB

    PROCOBOB Guest

    Hi Folks,
    I've noticed a squealing noise which seems to be one of the belts slipping.
    Figured I'd get it fixed shortly. Today the generator symbol (battery) flickers
    on and off. Is this because the belt is slipping? Or is the generator about to
    go?
    Thanks for all previous help also.
    Bob
     
    PROCOBOB, Feb 28, 2004
    #1
  2. PROCOBOB

    Bruce Pick Guest

    It could be either.

    A small voltmeter or multitester will tell you the voltage in the
    circuit when motor is running. If you don't have one, a friend might,
    or it can be bought for as little as $15. Voltage should be in the 14 -
    14.5 range, approximately. If the voltage is under, you have a problem
    - but you already know that you do.

    Belts can loosen with time. The alternators on our '83, '86 and '89
    240's all have two belts.

    The alternator is not mounted directly on metal, but on two bushings
    which isolate it from vibration. When the bushings wear, the alternator
    sits in the wrong position, and the drive belts don't ride straight on
    the pulleys. You'll get lots of squeal. Eventually my belts twisted +
    flipped over and broke. Remedied by removing the alternator, replacing
    the bushings (just a few $ each) and the two belts, and reassembling. I
    needed a wide-jaw Vise-Grip pliers to get those bushings into place.

    I also had the red-wire terminal break off. Have a look at the health
    of the wires on the back of the alternator.

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    Bruce Pick, Feb 29, 2004
    #2
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