how to fix a broken fan belt

[dansk]

Our van broke down, and while we're not sure if this is the only issue, the fan belt on (I believe) the alternator had snapped. I would like to try and find and fit a new one myself, but I am not much of a motor mechanic. I thought it might be the right level of challenge for a novice like me but maybe it would be easier/cheaper to put it into the shop..

How hard is it to replace - how do I go about it? Where can I get the right part from?

[Reimotim]

Dead simple to do. You just need the correct sized belt... Must be somewhere on the wiki or I'm sure someone will be along with the correct size.

Then if you look at the alternator you will see that it pivots on one side. Slacken the nut on that side and then slacken the adjusting bolt. You will notice if you move the alternator one way the the distance between the other pulleys is reduced and the other way the distance is increased.

Slip on the new belt and then using a pry bar or something similar move the alternator so that the belt tightens. Ideally you want movement of about 1cm midway on the longest run of the belt.

Tighten the nuts on the alternator.

Job done!
If the belts squeals then it needs further tightening.

Give it a go!

[dansk]

cool, that doesn't sound too bad.. I thought I read somewhere about having to disconnect the battery first though?

[itchyfeet]

Looks like three fitted to a 1.6td
look on the old belt and see if you can see the length written on
if not measure it

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/c ... q=aux+belt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[dansk]

I'll try, I'm having trouble digging it out, its not very easy access, squashed right up against the back of the engine compartment.. I take it 'Auxiliary Belt' and not alternator belt is the correct name for it.

thanks!

[itchyfeet]

Yes, the fan is electric on this engine so its not really a fan belt, in fact they have not been used to run fans since the 80s so they are called aux belts now

[royt28]

Hi. Do you have power steering? as you would need to take that belt off to slip the new aux belt on.

local ecp to you is http://www.eurocarparts.com/catford.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

roy

Greetings from Greenwich

[royt28]

sorry i should have looked at your pics first about power steering (not had my coffee fix yet)

[dansk]

yep I was on about to ask about the second belt when I saw your answer.. thats the power steering ah?

I did undo the alternator and swing it back but still could not get enough access - the belt has double backed on itself and is jammed right in there. Then (and this is worrying) I went underneath to see if I can reach up to get it, and I saw a little a thread. I know my mum told me never pull on loose threads but i never listened. I wish i had as I when I pulled it out came another snapped belt but this one looks like pictures I've seen of the timing belt. I think I'm screwed.

[Plasticman]

if it was a timing belt off then it wouldnt run.................
also many diesels run 2 or 3 belts,
1 from alt to water pump , then 1 from pump to crank,and if fitted then one from crank to pas pump
mm

[Jakemate]

If its a jx 1.6 there is an aux belt for alternator and water pump and one for pas if fitted and yes disconnect battery negative before working on the belts as you may accidently touch the main + on the alternator with a spanner etc when loosening nuts

[dansk]

One garage told me that if it is the timing belt (I can't see exactly where it is connected, it s come loose and hanging out the bottom). The belt has teeth on it. One garage told me that if it is the timing belt then its likely to have done some serious damage to the inside of the engine..

[mark]

not always..........but sometimes https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=134473" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is a time where it never caused fatal damage........... once you get through the jollities you can find how to refit the timing belt here http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option ... temid=28to" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

mark

[dansk]

thanks for the links - llok cool - sadly turns out the whole cambelt had gone and possibly fuel cylinder too (ouch) - just waiting for pro's to coe and collect before i know for certain.

ta for all your advice!