Put a little brake fluid on a paper towel and moisten the belt, then tighten
it a bit.  Should be 1/2 to 3/4 inch of deflection.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stebbins" <stebbins@AUCEGYPT.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 10:27 AM
Subject: Schreeching Alternator/belt

> When I start my 91 (syncro Westy) up I get a real SCREECH
> from the back. When I go back there and take off the engine
> lid, I think it is coming from the alternator (I only have
> the alternator, water pump and main pulley - NO air and no
> power steering pulleys) .  This SCREECH lasts about 30
> seconds and then no problem while driving until I let the
> van sit  a bit then start it up, then another 30 seconds of
> SCREECH.
>
> I changed the belt (the old belt was OK) and I still get the
> SCREECH.  There is not too much tension on the belt, if
> anything, the belt  is a bit loose (I just tightened it
> hand tight).  When I pore some water on the belt and pulley,
> the SCREECH  goes away.
>
> Does this mean that the alternator is about to give out, or
> is it just a recalcitrant belt and pulley, or should I
> tighten the belt???
>
> Thanks,  Malcolm