I've noticed the car squeals pretty loudly from the engine area when I rev the engine fairly high and quickly. I assume it's the belt, but my alternator also probably needs to be rebuilt sometime.

How do you adjust the belt properly? I've just loosened the alternator adjusting bolt and pulled on the top of the alternator to get it as tight as I can. My dad says use a screwdriver to pry it tight, but that seems a little harsh. I know the specifications call for like 90-110 (ft-pounds?).

Or maybe it's normal for it to squeal when revved high so quickly?

The belt is brand new, I installed it recently but it probably has at least 2 or 3 hours of use.

 

Squeeking isn't normal. Like your Dad suggested, I've always used a long screw driver to get good tension on the alternator belt. Don't put your entire body weight into it, just give it nice and firm then tighten the bolts down.

Is there any chance this is a vacuum leak? My Holley needs a rebuild and it has been whistling.

 

Well it's pretty loud. I've never really personally owned a car with a belt squeal, but it sounds similar to cars I've heard that have one.

Very loud squeal, only if quickly revved high, not if slowly revved high. It's like I'm increasing the RPMs at the crank faster than the pulley can catch up to it initially, so it slips.

 

I have always had good luck with a 2' crowbar

Pry on it in line with the bet it if using the 2' crowbar you would apply about 10 pounds of force or less to the end of the bar you don't want the belt too tight.

-Gun

 

The big one here is what you need:

 

One time i replaced my alternator belt and it wasnt seated on the pulley(s) correctly. It instantly started squeeking - not just when revving. You may want to double check this.

 

prybar is the way to go alright. you want the belt so tight that you can turn the belt at it's longest stretch by only about quarter turn over it's own axis usign only middle finger and thumb. not easy to describe ..

 

No that isn't easy to describe, but I know exactly what you mean.

Thanks guys I will check this out later

 

It is normal.

My 67 does it sometimes. You have to tighten the belt good, but that won't stop it.

 

a tight belt will stop it unless
- the belt is crap or simply the wrong one
- you are at the end of adjustment, can't get the belt tight
- the pulleys are not aligned

Kalli