Hello!

I let my 1992 B350 Van sit for a month in the rain and I got the usual startup belt squeals but they were different this time, much louder and persistent, even when she was dry for a few days. Usually the squeals go away in less than 10 seconds.

I was nervous that either my AC compressor or my alternator seized…but of course hoped it was just the V-Belts.

Currently, when I run the engine, the alternator pulley is not moving, so I sprayed the twin V-Belts with 303 Aerospace UV Protection spray and sprayed the alternator with WD-40 in case the stator was seized, then took a breaker bar with 7/8" socket and wiggled the pulley back and forth to loosen it up.

The alternator pulley now seems to spin freely enough with the breaker bar (with the belts still attached), but when the engine runs, the belts still slide right over the pulley, so maybe the belts are still slippery from the 303 and WD-40 or they are now too loose or worn down at this point from all the troubleshooting.

Should I…

  1. Buy and replace the twin V-Belts
  2. Keep lubricating and loosening the alternator / pulley
  3. Replace the alternator

​

https://preview.redd.it/oq3ovuhqpx2c1.jpg?width=2879&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=626eadd67d6d9bbd7b8f862ef230d648096cd33d

https://preview.redd.it/6g17zohqpx2c1.jpg?width=3869&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58d868a96c98de8e5f891ad54a5dc42201280fdd

I can make a video of me wiggling the belts to show the current tension (or anything else) if that would help you help me troubleshoot!

Thanks for your help!

  • NickRMX6@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    DIYer advice: Almost certainly, replace the alternator, because the alternator bearing is seizing up.

    Just to be sure, remove the belt, and spin the alternator pulley by hand. It should spin freely (one finger should be enough).

    • nperspective@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Thanks Nick. I’ll start shopping around (after I do your pulley test). Amazon sells alternators 🤯

  • VettedBot@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the 303 Aerospace Protectant Provides Superior UV Protection Helps Prevent Fading and Cracking Repels Dust Lint and Staining Restores Lost Color and Luster 32oz 30313CSR Packaging May Vary and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.

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