[Healeys] Adjusting generator belt

[Michael Oritt]

Healey generators only have a bearing in the front and too much side load
can destroy the rear bushing in short order.

Best--Michael Oritt

On Sun, Sep 30, 2018 at 6:19 AM <simon.lachlan at alexarevel.plus.com> wrote:

> Agreed. I just use a bit of scrap wood…levered up a little and held in
> place while the bolts are tightened. The slidey bolt underneath seems to be
> a favourite to be forgotten.
>
> I downloaded this a couple of years ago:-
>
> “*How to Adjust Alternator Belt Tension Without a Gauge.*
>
> Proper belt tension is necessary to ensure the smooth operation and
> longevity of your belt-driven components. Too loose and the belt may slip
> or even be thrown off of the pulleys. Too tight and the belt will cause
> excessive wear on the shaft bearings of the components it is driving. There
> are several rules of thumb for checking the tension on a belt without using
> a belt tension gauge.
>
> *Things Needed:-*
>
> Straight edge (a carpenter's level is a good choice)
>
> Ruler
>
> Ratchet and socket set
>
>
>
> *Step 1:*
>
> Measure the distance from the centre of the alternator pulley shaft to the
> centre of another pulley that uses the same belt. This will probably be the
> water pump or the crankshaft.
>
> *Step 2:*
>
> Lay a straight edge -- like a carpenter’s level -- across the pulleys,
> over the belt.
>
> *Step 3:*
>
> Place the tip of a ruler against the belt, in the middle distance between
> the pulleys, with the ruler against the straight edge. Push down on the
> ruler and measure the gap that forms between the belt and the straight
> edge. If the pulleys are seven-to-eleven inches apart, the belt should move
> 1/4-inch. If the distance is over 11-inches, the belt should move no more
> than 1/2 inch.
>
> *Step 4:*
>
> Adjust the belt by loosening the alternator mounting bolts with a ratchet
> and socket. The most common problem is that the belt is too loose. Pull the
> alternator away from the centre of the engine to tighten the belt. Hold the
> tension with one hand while tightening the bolts.
>
> *Step 5:*
>
> Recheck the measurement.”
>
> I don’t suppose one would do all of that more than once. Do it the once to
> get the feel of the correct tension…..if you see what I mean.
>
> Simon
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> *On Behalf Of *BJ8Healeys
> *Sent:* 30 September 2018 00:38
> *To:* healeys at autox.team.net
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Adjusting generator belt
>
>
>
> I second what Mike says.  Way back when I first got my BJ8 and didn't know
> what I was doing, I installed a new fan felt and got it really tight (the
> way I thought it should be).  Drove 300 miles and the generator bearings
> crapped out.  It took me three days in Washington, DC to find a shop that
> could fix it.
>
> Healey Surgeons sent me a new one, but it wouldn't fit and it's all they
> had.  I'm pretty sure it was the tight belt that ruined the bearings -- or
> at least, shortened their life.
>
>
>
> You really only need to get the belt tight enough not to slip on the
> pulleys.
>
>
>
> Steve Byers
>
> HBJ8L/36666
>
> BJ8 Registry
>
> AHCA Delegate at Large
>
> Havelock, NC
>
>
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