So long as they're loose, it's a good idea to tighten them.  It also doesn't
hurt to spread a bit of brake fluid on the contact surfaces of the belts
(all of them), as it softens the rubber just a bit and will allow them to
grip the pulleys much better.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "developtrust" <developtrust@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: Strange rattle/squeek from engine during idle

> Thanks. My mechanic agrees but as I posted later it seems to be the AC
belt.
> But tightening all belts seems like a good idea, don't you think?
>
> William
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "sg" <sg@sunsetwinona.com>
> To: "developtrust" <developtrust@HOME.COM>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 3:52 PM
> Subject: Re: Strange rattle/squeek from engine during idle
>
>
> > tighten your alternator belt:  loosen the bolt/nut securing the
alternator
> > to its positioning rod, use a metal pipe to wedge the alternator housing
> > away from the engine (ie pulling up), retighten bolt nut.  before you do
> > this, notice how loose the belt is (you can use the looseness of the
other
> > belts as a point of reference).  tighten the belt a little at a time
until
> > the squeak goes away, thus avoiding overtightening.
> > -steve and buster (who just underwent above procedure yesterday to
elimate
> > similar squeak)
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "developtrust" <developtrust@HOME.COM>
> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 3:47 PM
> > Subject: Strange rattle/squeek from engine during idle
> >
> >
> > > Greetings everyone,
> > > While delivering those seats I sold to www.forwardair.com this AM I
> > noticed
> > > an odd squeak during idle and start up coming from the engine
> compartment.
> > >
> > > Upon parking with emergency brake on and looking at the engine I could
> not
> > > seem to fine from where it came but when I pushed down on the
alternator
> > it
> > > continued and pulled up it seemed to lessen.
> > >
> > > years ago I saw a mechanic put some kind of chalk on a fan belt to get
> rid
> > > of a squeak. could this be the same thing?
> > >
> > > The squeak is becoming irritating. It does not interfere with
> performance
> > > but only happens at idle with the clutch disengaged waiting at a red
> > light.
> > >
> > > Any help will be appreciated. It seems to be getting worse as time
goes
> > by.
> > >
> > > William
> > >
> >
> >
>