Alternator fixing problem with pic

[Sir Brixalot]

The bottom right screw on the alterntor bracket won't tighten and I'm getting a lot of vibration. There seems to be a hole on the other side, is the screw meant to be long enough to go the whole way through? I'm wondering if this loose screw is a bodge can anyone let me know what size it should be. I've seen a bracket repair kit on CVC but I'm not sure if it's to fix this problem. The alternator i currently only held properly on two points so there's a lot of play.

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[itchyfeet]

Yes goes right through and a nut on the other side
if its not long enough it's snapped or the wrong bolt, easy to measure the length you need, poke some wire through the hole until it comes out the other side and mark it add a bit for nut and washer

[Sir Brixalot]

Nice one. I'll do that now. Might get a new belt as well as this one's slipping

[CovKid]

As always, with belt off, carefully check water pump pulley too. There shouldn't be any appreciable play and it shouldn't feel rough. If its not right you'd be well advised to fit a new pump - they go in spectacular fashion and often sound like a slipping belt.

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks for the advice. You could be right as the belt looked OK. I'll check when its light.

[Sir Brixalot]

Have checked water pump, there's a slight bit of play but nothing much and it spins quietly. Used a crowbar to prize the alerrnator and get the belt tighter.

[jpennington]

Used a crowbar to prize the alerrnator and get the belt tighter.

I would advise a little caution here. With a big crowbar, or a heavy hand, it is possible to get the belt so tight that the alternator nose bearing (or worse the water pump bearing) soon wears out.
You just need it tight enough so the belt doesn't slip. Aim for the recommended play at the middle of the top run of the belt - about 1cm IIRC.

[itchyfeet]

whs^^ belt too tight = bearing failure

[Sir Brixalot]

duplicate

[Sir Brixalot]

That had crossed my mind. There's not a lot of play in the belt so I'll slacken it off a bit. The engine felt so much smoother with that nut fitted. I was just thinking that it's never sounded better then it broke down!

[itchyfeet]

then it broke down!

Again?

[Sir Brixalot]

Yep again, I was on my own so not so bad. Felt like starvation on LPG switched to petrol and fuel started leaking from bottom of carb. RAC guy was totally clueless wiggling the wires was as far as he got. Didn't know his way round the engine at all and as for LPG...Looks like I'm going to be on my way North again to get it fixed