Club 80-90 Forums

Odd one this, but on my last trip out the alternator belt went. On inspection, it seems like the belt was rubbing on the oil filler tube which is no doubt what has caused the belt to snap.

The engine is a 1.6d recon one and runs nicely but I am wondering if this closeness of belt and pipe is normal or if its somehow been fitted/aligned wrong?

I had this issue last year, threw/snapped 3 belts!
Intially I thought my old belt was, well, old (it was a plain belt, not the newer 'toothed V belt style'.
I put on a newer style belt (couldnt get the old sort at the time) - That lasted 50 miles and snapped!
On inspection I could see that my alternator pulley was slightly out of alignment with water pump and crankshaft pulleys.
In meantime I snapped another belt!
So I went to expense of having a specialist rejig the alternator so pulley would sit in correct alignment.
Next belt lasted 75 miles!
Grrrr.
Turned out that water pump bearing was on its way out, and causing the belts to snatch and break.
Just a thought, but with the belt off, make sure you've checked the water pump (an alternator for that matter) bearings too. Might save some head scratching...