generator light

[PROCOBOB]

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

 

[Bruce Pick]

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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